Have you ever caught yourself saying…
“Oh, I’m so high maintenance.”
Usually, it’s followed by a little laugh.
Almost like an apology.
Maybe you said it after getting your hair done.
Buying a new lipstick.
Putting on your favorite earrings before heading out to dinner.
Scheduling a manicure.
Taking an extra ten minutes to get ready.
Somewhere along the way, many of us learned that taking care of ourselves required an explanation.
As if choosing ourselves—even for a few moments—was something to feel guilty about.
But I want to ask you something.
Who decided that caring for yourself made you “high maintenance?”
Because I don’t think it does.
I think it means you’re paying attention.
You’re acknowledging that you matter.
You’re recognizing that the woman in the mirror deserves care, too.
Last week, we talked about looking at ourselves with more kindness.
This feels like the natural next step.
Kindness isn’t just about the words we say to ourselves.
It’s also about the ways we care for ourselves every day.
Maybe that’s taking a walk.
Maybe it’s putting on moisturizer.
Maybe it’s wearing the necklace that makes you smile.
Maybe it’s simply choosing clothes that make you feel like yourself instead of saving them for “someday.”
None of those things are selfish.
They’re reminders.
Reminders that you’re worthy of your own time and attention.
For years, we’ve been praised for putting everyone else first.
We celebrate the women who sacrifice.
Who give.
Who serve.
Those things are beautiful.
But somewhere along the way, many of us quietly stopped including ourselves on the list.
And then we wonder why we feel invisible.
The truth is, confidence doesn’t usually arrive in one dramatic moment.
It grows through small choices.
Tiny acts of self-respect repeated over and over again.
Wearing your favorite earrings on a Tuesday.
Buying yourself fresh flowers.
Reading a book instead of folding one more load of laundry that can honestly wait another hour.
Taking the time to style your hair because it makes you feel good.
Those aren’t signs that you’re high maintenance.
They’re signs that you’re maintaining a relationship with yourself.
And every healthy relationship requires attention.
I also see this show up in business.
I’ve talked with so many women who hesitate to invest in learning something new.
They apologize for taking a class.
For asking for help.
For hiring a coach.
For spending time learning technology.
As if growing into the next version of themselves is somehow indulgent.
It isn’t.
Growth is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.
Whether it’s learning a new skill, building your confidence, or finally figuring out the technology that’s been holding you back, investing in yourself is never wasted.
It’s how we continue becoming.
Maybe that’s why I love jewelry so much.
Not because it changes who we are.
But because it reminds us.
A favorite pair of earrings can become a quiet promise.
A bracelet can remind you of your strength.
A necklace can remind you that today is reason enough to celebrate yourself.
Jewelry isn’t about impressing anyone else.
It’s about expressing the woman you’ve become.
And she deserves to shine.
So the next time you hear yourself saying,
“I’m so high maintenance…”
Pause.
Ask yourself if that’s really true.
Or if you’re simply becoming someone who believes she’s worth caring for.
Because there is a world of difference.
You’re not asking for too much.
You’re not being selfish.
You’re not high maintenance.
You’re paying attention to someone who has spent years taking care of everyone else.
And I think it’s about time she received some of that same care in return.
If you’re looking for a simple reminder that you’re worth celebrating every day, I’d love to help you find a piece that feels like you.
✨ Browse the Sparkle Lounge Hub:
https://thesparklelounge.com/hub/
And if one way you’re investing in yourself this year is by becoming more confident with technology and growing your business, I’d love to help with that too.
💻 Tech Confidence with Karrie:
https://KarrieMassotti.com
Because investing in yourself isn’t vanity.
It’s one of the kindest things you can do.
