How Women Can Prioritize Without Losing Themselves

Sunday mornings are often hectic in Ananya's house. She ran here and there, ensuring she juggled cooking, cleaning, and planning other house responsibilities without complaint, sipping through the filter coffee, which had become cold by now. Her husband sat reading the newspaper, and her little toddler giggled as he played with toys.

Between refilling plates and answering questions, she felt a familiar thought creeping in. "Where do I fit into all of this? Am I losing myself in the process?"

She wasn’t unhappy. She loved her family. But somewhere along the way, she had stopped thinking about herself. The things she once loved—teaching, painting—had slowly faded into the background.

That evening, she went to see her mother.

Sitting in the balcony with a cup of tea, she finally let out what had been on her mind. "Ma, how did you manage everything? I love my family, but I also don’t want to forget myself."

Her mother smiled knowingly as if she had asked herself the same question once.

She said, “Ananya, life keeps changing. Your priorities will too. That’s normal. But the question is—are they changing because you want them to, or because the world expects them to?”

Ananya listened carefully as her mother continued.

1. Know What Makes You Happy

“No one else can tell you what matters the most. Work, family, or your own passions—only you know what brings you joy.”

Ananya thought about it. She still missed teaching. Maybe it was time to bring it back in the form of a career, even in a small way.

2. Priorities Will Shift, and That’s Okay 

“When you were a baby, my world revolved around you. Later, I found time for myself again. And now? I focus on my health. Life moves on, and we adjust accordingly.”

Ananya felt she didn’t need to do everything at once. She just needs to make space where she can.

3. Learn to Say No Without Guilt 

“People will always expect things from you. That doesn’t mean you have to do it all. You can say No sometimes. Saying no isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.”

Ananya realized how often she had said yes just to avoid feeling guilty. Maybe it is time to start choosing wisely.

4. Make Time for Yourself, Even in Small Ways 

“Even if it’s just 15 minutes, do something for yourself. Read, go for a walk, pick up an old hobby, or anything that makes you happy and focused on yourself. Don’t lose yourself in the process of being there for everyone else.”

This hit Ananya the most. She had forgotten how much she loved painting. Maybe it is time to pick up a brush again.

5. Keep Checking in With Yourself

"Every now and then, ask yourself—‘Am I happy? Do my priorities still feel right?’ If not, adjust them accordingly. Life isn’t fixed; it’s a journey."

This is something Ananya never asked herself since her marriage. She stayed busy serving different roles all at once, except that of being herself.

Ananya let out a huge sigh of relief when her questions were answered. She then hugged her mother and drove back home, where her family was waiting for her.

That night, after putting her son to bed, she pulled out an old sketchbook. The pages were worn, the edges curled. She ran her fingers over the faded drawings she once drew and smiled.

She didn’t need to have it all figured out. She just needs to start somewhere.

And that is enough.

Dear women, When was the last time you checked if your priorities still reflect you? Maybe today is a good day to start.

Happy Women’s Day to You All!