What I Wish Everyone Knew About Supporting Themselves: A Guide to Living Consciously
There are a few truths I’ve come to deeply care about—truths that, when overlooked, can lead to frustration, confusion, and missed opportunities for true well-being. Rather than simply venting, I want to share these observations as gentle guidance for anyone seeking to support themselves authentically and wisely.
1. Know Yourself Before Following Advice
It’s tempting—and very common—to take advice from others and apply it automatically, especially in areas like health, pregnancy, or wellness. But here’s the key: every person is beautifully unique, shaped by their mind, body, desires, fears, and life context.
People who share advice often speak from one or a few personal experiences. While those stories are valuable, they represent only a small portion of the wide range of human experience. Many more data points and perspectives are needed to truly understand what may work for different individuals.
For example, in labor, women might receive advice from doctors or providers who don’t know them deeply or from friends who had very different experiences. One provider might suggest medication or interventions based on routine practices rather than personalized care. Relying on advice without considering whether it fits your unique needs can lead to unnecessary stress or unwanted outcomes.
Before adopting someone else’s recommendations, pause and ask: Does this resonate with me? Does it honor my unique needs? Are the circumstances similar enough? Otherwise, you risk following a path that isn’t suited to your journey, which can lead to frustration or even harm.
2. Invest in Yourself—It’s Non-Negotiable
Long-term health issues often stem from neglecting fundamental self-care when symptoms are manageable. It’s the classic “putting off for tomorrow what can be avoided completely today.” This short-sightedness can create avoidable challenges later, affecting not just you but also those who depend on you.
From my experience, when I slow down and take the time to be quiet and reflective, my intellectual clarity, creativity, and ability to integrate complex information improve immensely. This intentional investing in my well-being actually saves me time and leads to better results overall. It’s a practice I wish everyone valued more deeply.
Supporting yourself is not selfish or optional; it’s essential. Investing in your well-being means giving yourself the tools to navigate life with strength, clarity, and peace. It’s about valuing the one life you have, your capacity to care for yourself and those you love, and fostering resilience.
3. Understand the System You’re Navigating
People often judge healthcare providers based on brief office visits without understanding their approach or the hospital’s policies, especially around birth. This can lead to misplaced trust. For example, some providers may routinely recommend a cesarean section for convenience, or regularly perform episiotomies to speed delivery without clear necessity. Others may not fully disclose that inducing labor is standard practice, even when not medically indicated.
Knowing how your provider and their system operate empowers you to advocate effectively for yourself. Educate yourself about best practices, ask questions, and find providers who align with your values and needs. Combining this system knowledge with self-awareness gives you a stronger foundation to make informed decisions.
Assess What You Really Want
Take the time to reflect on your true desires and goals. Then seek someone who knows both you and the system well—a guide who can merge these insights into supportive care and advice tailored just for you.
Become Active and Present in Your Life
My hope is that after reading this, you feel encouraged to be more active and present in your own life. Support yourself with intent, question advice that doesn’t fit, and invest time and energy into creating the healthiest, most authentic life possible.