**Nearly 12 Months In: What I’m Learning About Putting Myself First**

Best Self Journey BLOG

”As an experienced personal trainer, I should model perfect health. Instead, I’ve wrestled with bad choices and mental health challenges. Staying anonymous in my blog makes me free me from shame—for now. One day, I’ll share my identity. Here, I’m open about my highs and lows, hoping to inspire you as I tackle addictions and habits to be my best for myself, my family, and those I serve. This is my fight to help us all. God bless you, with love” ❤️

Nearly 12 Months In: What I’m Learning About Putting Myself First

May 11, 2026

I’m nearly 12 months into this Best Self Journey, and I honestly feel proud of how far I’ve come. It’s been one of the hardest years of my life, but I’m still here, still moving forward.

Just under two weeks ago, I had a proper meltdown and burned out again. It was a wake-up call. I realised I had slipped back into old patterns — putting everyone else’s needs before my own and leaving myself on the outer ring.

Thankfully, I’ve just started the Nature of Success programme with Sam Adams, and it’s already helping me so much. The biggest thing I’ve taken from it so far is the 3M Map — putting Mastery of myself in the centre.

The message is clear: I have to take care of myself first if I want to be any good to my mission or my family.

I’ve been doing a lot of reflection on what keeps knocking me off track — struggling with boundaries, reacting to things outside my control, old cravings, and that familiar guilt when I try to put myself first. I’m learning to sit with the discomfort instead of numbing it or running away from it.

Some reframes that are helping me are:
– Recharging isn’t selfish, it’s self-full and responsible.
– I’m allowed to take up space in my own life.
– Saying no to others is saying yes to my best self and my bigger purpose.

Every day I’m doing check-ins with myself — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I’m continuing my walks in nature, journaling, meditation, staying on top of my nutrition and training, and I’m pushing forward with my sleep coaching studies.

This journey is teaching me that keeping myself at the centre isn’t selfish. It’s the only way I can stay in harmony with myself and actually be there for the people I care about.

I still have a long way to go, but I’m really proud of where I am right now.

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#BestSelfJourney #SelfMastery #NatureOfSuccess #BurnoutRecovery #PersonalGrowth #Boundaries #Harmony