When Being Present Leaves You Empty
The Check-In
Hey y’all—
I want to talk about something that came up in a recent therapy session.
I said something like, “I’m exhausted from being present for everybody else… and not taking care of me.”
And whew—saying it out loud made me sit with it.
It’s a strange kind of tired, right?
I’m not burnt out from doing too much... I’m tired from being too much. Too available. Too responsible. Too on.
Always the one holding space.
Always the one holding it together.
The Bloom
I’ve been showing up in a lot of spaces lately:
- Helping a client who’s carrying so much responsibility
- Holding space for friends
- Prepping for things at work
- Being a wife, mama, coach, social worker, and CEO of my dreams
And somehow, I stopped showing up for me.
I’ve been emotionally running on empty.
Not sleeping enough. Not resting well. Not checking in with myself.
And what’s wild is—most people would still say I’m “so present.”
But inside? I’ve been drained.
The Shift
Just because you’re good at showing up for others…
doesn’t mean you should keep abandoning yourself in the process.
Being present shouldn’t leave you empty.
And you don’t have to prove your worth by pushing past your limit.
This week, I’m choosing to be present with me.
Even if it’s just 10 minutes of stillness.
Even if I have to say no.
Even if people don’t get it.
I’m giving myself permission to pause—and I want you to do the same.
Your Turn to Grow
So I want to ask you this:
- Who have you been showing up for… while quietly neglecting yourself?
- What’s one small way you can be present with you this week?
Start small. Start now. But start with you.
Reclaim 10 minutes today.
No pouring. No posting. No pleasing.
Just presence—with you.
Put your hand on your heart and breathe.
You matter too.
The Safe Space
This space is for us—the ones who give, lead, nurture, and show up strong… but are learning to soften.
You’re allowed to take up space.
You’re allowed to rest.
You’re allowed to tend to your own garden.
If this hit home, share it with someone who gives a lot.
Follow @thebloomthrivespace on IG for behind-the-scenes, coaching vibes, and vision board goodness.
We’re building a space where Black women can bloom and breathe.
Still growing,
