5 small ways to choose yourself first - every day.

There was a time when I thought that choosing myself first was selfish. That setting boundaries meant I was “difficult,” and that taking breaks was a sign of laziness. But I couldn’t be more wrong.

If you're reading this, there's a good chance that, like me, you've had periods where you've forgotten yourself a little in your attempt to be something for everyone else. Maybe you've said yes when you meant no. Maybe you've postponed your own peace because you didn't feel you "deserved" it. And maybe you've also thought, "I'll take care of myself... later."

But you know what? Later rarely comes by itself. That's why I've learned that it doesn't have to be the big gestures that get you home to yourself again. It starts small. In the simple. In the small loving acts you do for yourself, every single day.

Here are 5 small ways to choose yourself first that have made a huge difference in my life and that you can take with you today.

1. Check in with yourself in the morning (before you check your phone)

Okay, this one is tough. Especially when the notifications are tempting and the world is calling from the screen. But the moment you wake up, there's a golden opportunity to show yourself: "Hey, you matter."

Try taking just one minute to check in with yourself:
How are you feeling? What do you need today? Is there anything you're looking forward to? Something you're dreading?
It can be in the form of journaling, a cup of tea in silence, or just three deep breaths.

It's not about being perfect. It's about connecting with yourself before you start living your day for others.

Say one kind sentence to yourself in the mirror.

I know it sounds a bit cliché, but it works.
You can't fix a bad self-image with criticism. It takes kindness. And who says it can't come from within yourself?

When you stand in front of the mirror in the morning, look yourself in the eye and say something good.
Here are some ideas:

• “I am doing my best today, and that is enough.”

• “My value does not depend on how much I achieve.”

• “I am worth loving, exactly as I am.”

You don't have to believe it right away. Just start. And see what happens when you practice being your own best friend.

3. Set boundaries – even for yourself

We often talk about boundaries as something we set for others. But what about the boundaries we forget to set for ourselves?

Like when you say yes to too much again . Or don't get enough sleep. Or when you push yourself to be productive nonstop, even though your body is screaming for rest.

It's not selfish to say “no.” It's self-respect.
So the next time you feel an inner voice saying: “You should…”, ask yourself: Do I really need to do this, or am I just trying to please?

It's totally okay to choose yourself. It's actually quite beautiful.

4. Do one small thing just for you, every day

It can be so banal that you almost want to laugh. But the small, self-chosen joys? They're gold.

• Light a scented candle.
• Listen to your favorite playlist in the bath.
• Make your favorite drink and drink it without stress.
• Buy flowers for yourself.
• Go for a walk without a goal – just because it feels good.

These things don't necessarily make your day "efficient." But they do make it nice. And sometimes that's what we need the most.

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5. Let go of comparison. Just a little.

The hardest of them all? That constant comparison.
We know it doesn’t make sense. We know Instagram only shows glimpses. And yet we fall into the trap: “Why does her life look easier than mine?” or “Why do I feel left behind?”

But here's a little reminder:
You are not behind in your own life.
Your pace is okay. Your path is okay. Your timing is okay.

Instead, try to look at what actually works for you. What you've created. What you've learned. And perhaps most importantly: Who you've become.

When you catch yourself comparing, stop and ask:
“What do I need right now?”
The answer is rarely “more comparison.” It’s usually calm. Acceptance. And self-love.

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Final thoughts 💗

Choosing yourself first doesn't mean you're never there for others. It just means you don't forget yourself in the process.
Self-love is not a final destination. It's a choice we make – over and over again. Small, tiny choices, every day, that eventually feel like a home you can return to.
A home in you.

And hey, if you need a little reminder in your everyday life, we at Jules & Maddy have created products that make it a little easier to choose yourself. One smile, one print, one sticker at a time.

You deserve it. Every single day.