Written by Ana Salido, Life Coach & Mentor
Ana is a passionate and dedicated mentor and life coach, and she advocated for women's empowerment. With over 8 years of experience in the field, she has helped countless women reconnect with themselves, achieve their goals, and cultivate fulfilling relationships.
In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of self-care has become synonymous with pampering—think bubble baths, face masks, and spa days. While these moments of indulgence are certainly enjoyable and can be a part of self-care, my journey has taught me that true self-care goes much deeper.
For me, self-care is an expression of self-love and respect, and it became a vital part of my life after I experienced a deep personal betrayal.
A turning point: The betrayal that changed everything
A few years ago, I found myself at a crossroads.
My then-boyfriend, someone I deeply cared for and trusted, he was my first serious relationship and we were together for 8 years, cheated on me.
The shock and pain of that betrayal left me feeling completely disempowered, as though the foundation I had built my life on had crumbled beneath me.
I was left questioning everything, my worth, my choices, and even my identity.
I did not know who I was without him. We met when I was only 16 years old and started my adult life with him.
In the days and weeks that followed, I realised that something needed to change.
But I also knew that this change couldn’t come from outside of me.
It had to start from within.
I had to rebuild myself from the ground up, and that’s when I truly began my journey into self-care.
Self-care as an act of self-preservation
What I discovered along the way was that self-care wasn’t just about treating myself to occasional luxuries.
It was about nurturing a relationship with myself, a relationship built on love, respect, and trust.
I started to see self-care as an act of self-preservation, a way to honour my needs and validate my feelings.
One of the first things I did was to set boundaries, which was something I had always struggled with in the past.
I realised that if I didn’t respect my own boundaries, I couldn’t expect others to.
I began to prioritise my well-being, saying no to things that drained my energy and yes to things that nourished my soul.
This wasn’t easy at first; there were moments when I felt guilty or selfish.
But over time, I began to understand that taking care of myself wasn’t just a luxury—it was a necessity.
The connection between self-care and self-respect
As I continued on this journey, I learned that self-care is deeply intertwined with self-respect.
It’s about recognising your worth and refusing to settle for anything less than you deserve.
It’s about treating yourself with the same kindness and compassion that you would offer to a dear friend.
It’s about showing up for yourself, even on the days when you feel unworthy or unlovable.
Embracing self-love through self-care
Self-care also became an act of self-love.
I started to embrace my imperfections and let go of the unrealistic standards I had held myself to for so long.
I began to celebrate my achievements, no matter how small, and to forgive myself for my mistakes.
Through this process, I discovered a newfound sense of empowerment and self-worth.
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A transformative journey
Looking back, I can see that the betrayal I experienced was a turning point in my life.
It forced me to confront my deepest fears and insecurities, but it also gave me the opportunity to rebuild myself stronger and more resilient than before.
My journey into self-care has been transformative, and it’s a journey that I continue to walk every day.
The power of self-care: A message for others
For anyone who is struggling with feelings of disempowerment or self-doubt, I want you to know that self-care is not just a superficial act. It’s a profound statement of self-love and respect.
It’s about taking the time to listen to your own needs, to honour your emotions, and to nurture the relationship you have with yourself.
It’s about recognising that you are worthy of love, care, and respect—no matter what you’ve been through.
Conclusion: Embracing self-care as a reflection of self-love
In a world that often tells us to put others first, I’ve learned that taking care of myself is the most important thing I can do.
Because when I am strong, healthy, and grounded in self-love, I am better equipped to show up for others and to face life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
Self-care is not just something I do, it’s a reflection of who I am and the love I have for myself.
And that, to me, is the most powerful form of self-care there is.
Read more from Ana Salido
Ana Salido, Life Coach & Mentor
Ana is a passionate and dedicated mentor and life coach, and she advocated for women's empowerment. With over 8 years of experience in the field, she has helped countless women reconnect with themselves, achieve their goals, and cultivate fulfilling relationships.
Driven by her journey of self-discovery and personal growth, Ana is deeply committed to guiding women on their path to self-love, authenticity and empowerment.
Known for her warmth, compassion and unwavering support, Ana creates a safe and nurturing space for women to explore their innermost desires, confront their fears and step into their full potential.
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