"I Forgot I Was Allowed to Want Things." — A Conversation I'll Never Forget
Every once in a while, someone says something so simple that it stays with you.
That happened to me the other day.
I was talking with a friend, just catching up on life. We weren't talking about weight loss or wellness or anything particularly deep. Just life.
Then she got quiet.
She looked at me and said, "I forgot I was allowed to want things."
I just sat there for a second.
Because I knew exactly what she meant.
And honestly... I think a lot of women will.
When Did We Stop Dreaming?
Somewhere along the way, we become so busy taking care of everyone else that we stop asking ourselves what we want.
We raise children.
We build careers.
We care for aging parents.
We support our husbands, friends, neighbors—sometimes complete strangers.
We're the planners, the problem-solvers, the ones everyone counts on.
Little by little, our own wants get pushed to the bottom of the list.
Not because they don't matter.
Because we're convinced everyone else's needs matter more.
Then one day we wake up and realize we don't even know what we'd choose if someone asked us.
Her Words Hit Close to Home
As she talked, she admitted she couldn't remember the last time she did something just because she wanted to.
Not because someone needed her.
Not because it was expected.
Just because it would make her happy.
That made me think about my own life.
For 30 years, I worked in retail management. Nights. Weekends. Holidays.
I missed family dinners.
I missed birthdays.
I missed so many little moments that seemed ordinary at the time but were actually the moments that mattered most.
Like so many women, I kept telling myself, "Someday."
Someday I'll take better care of myself.
Someday I'll have more energy.
Someday I'll slow down.
The problem with "someday" is that it has a way of turning into years.
The Day I Finally Chose Me
Looking back, I realize nothing changed until I made one simple decision.
I decided I mattered too.
Not more than my family.
Not instead of my family.
Alongside my family.
That decision changed everything.
I started taking my health seriously.
I began making small changes I could actually stick with.
Over time, I lost more than 50 pounds, found energy I hadn't felt in years, my joints stopped hurting, and I gained something I wasn't expecting...
Confidence.
Not because of a number on the scale.
Because I finally felt like myself again.
Here's What I Wish Every Woman Knew
Wanting more for yourself isn't selfish.
Wanting to feel healthy isn't selfish.
Wanting to sleep through the night isn't selfish.
Wanting enough energy to keep up with your grandchildren...
Wanting to travel...
Wanting to wear clothes that make you feel confident...
Wanting to look in the mirror and smile...
None of that makes you selfish.
It makes you human.
And maybe, after years of putting everyone else first, it's exactly what you need.
If You're Waiting for Permission...
Consider this your reminder.
You don't have to earn the right to take care of yourself.
You don't have to feel guilty for wanting to feel good again.
You don't have to wait until everyone else's life is perfect before you start improving your own.
You're allowed to want things.
You're allowed to dream again.
You're allowed to become healthier, stronger, happier, and more confident—even if you're in your 50s, 60s, or beyond.
Your best chapter doesn't have to be behind you.
In fact...
It might just be the one you're about to begin.
One Question Before You Go...
If no one expected anything from you for just one moment...
What would you want?
Really think about it.
Not what you should want.
Not what someone else wants for you.
What do you want?
Maybe today is the day you stop putting that answer on hold.
If This Spoke to You...
If you've been putting yourself last for far too long, I want you to know you're not alone. I've been there.
The changes I've made over the last couple of years have given me more energy, better health, and more confidence than I thought was possible at this stage of life.
If you're curious about what's helped me, I'll leave a link below. And if you'd rather just have a conversation, send me a message.
I'd love to hear what you want for this next chapter of your life.
Because I have a feeling it's not too late.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
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