It’s an all-too-familiar feeling:

I know what I should be doing—practicing yoga, meditating, eating nourishing foods, moving my body, and spending time alone to recharge. Yet somehow, I find myself resisting all of it. Instead, I fall into old habits: neglecting my body, staying inside, consuming distractions, and forgetting to check in with myself.

It begs the question: Why is it so hard to show up for myself?

The Resistance We All Face

Every time I return to my practice, I hear the same voice: “Why am I doing this?”

I respond gently, “Because it keeps me strong and flexible in body and mind. This practice gives me a healthy body I love and feel proud of. It calms my restless energy so I can be steady in spirit. It connects me to myself, to the present moment. It helps me face difficulties with more grace.”

Still, the resistance lingers. “Yeah, but why?”

The answer always comes back to this: I need this practice to be my best self. Without it, I can’t show up for others, and I can’t show up for myself. The mental and physical clarity that comes from doing what’s best for me is worth it every time.

But despite that, there’s something that pulls me away from my practice. I find myself distracted by life, external pressures, and societal expectations. Why is it so hard to prioritize what truly nourishes me?

The Belief That Keeps Us Stuck

I’ve come to realize that the #1 culprit is a deeply ingrained belief: we need to be doing something more “valuable” than taking care of ourselves. We’ve been conditioned to believe that rest and self-care are optional luxuries, that our time must be spent on productive activities—making money, achieving goals, and checking off to-do lists.

That belief is why we push ourselves too hard and too long. It’s why we overwork, overconsume, and undernourish. It’s why we can feel so disconnected, even when we’re busy. We’re doing all the “right” things on the outside, but inside, we’re struggling. We’re running on empty.

And then, when we feel drained, what do we do? We reach for the phone, scroll mindlessly, and distract ourselves from the discomfort instead of sitting with it. We avoid the stillness that could heal us, because it feels too uncomfortable. We look for excitement in the form of drama and distraction rather than the quiet of true peace.

Friday Ashtanga class at the Lac de Montriond

The Power of Showing Up

The truth is, everything gets better when I show up for my practice.

When I meditate, stretch, and move my body with intention, I feel enhanced. Life feels richer. My mind feels softer but stronger. I experience more moments of calm, clarity, and joy throughout my day.

But there’s still resistance. There’s still the voice telling me that there’s something more important to do. The belief that I don’t have time persists. And yet, every time I choose my practice, I remember why it’s worth it. The inner peace and health I cultivate are more valuable than anything else. They make everything else more meaningful.

Breaking Free from the Cycle

The challenge is breaking free from the cycle of avoidance and resistance. It’s about confronting the belief that I should be doing something more “valuable.” I’ve realized that there is nothing more valuable than taking care of myself—because when I do, I can show up for others in a much more whole and authentic way.

If we are constantly looking for happiness outside of ourselves, through achievement or distraction, we’ll always be left feeling empty. True happiness and fulfillment come from the inside. It comes from the practice of connecting to ourselves, nurturing our bodies, and tending to our mental and emotional well-being.

The Real Work

So, what’s the real work here?

It’s showing up. Every day. Even when the resistance creeps in. Even when it feels hard. Even when the world around us is telling us to do something else.

Because this practice—this commitment to ourselves—is the foundation of everything else. When we choose to take care of ourselves, we make it possible to live fully. To feel whole. To love ourselves and others. To be present, clear, and strong.

It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it. So, the next time you feel the resistance—ask yourself: What is this really costing me?

Little Theodore the cat having a snuggle nap

Final Thoughts:

When was the last time you really chose yourself?

What’s one small step you can take today to reconnect to your practice and to yourself? Share in the comments below—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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Why Is It So Hard to Practice What I Know Is Good for Me?

Acupressure for Knee Pain