The Cost of Forgetting Yourself

The Cost of Forgetting Yourself

Sue Leppan Transformation Facilitator & Life Coach

Image

The Cost of Forgetting Yourself

Many of us were conditioned to believe that being a “good person” means always considering others first.

For empathic, caring individuals, this conditioning often turns into a lifelong habit of placing the self last - or not at all.

Over time, this comes at a cost.

Your dreams quietly fade.

Your motivation weakens.

Your desires feel distant.

And the energy required to bring your deepest longings to life slowly drains away.

We tell ourselves we should be able to handle it all - to be superhuman caregivers, supporters, and problem-solvers. Yet science and spirituality agree on one truth: energy cannot flow where there is chronic neglect.

“When we forget or neglect ourselves and our honest compassion, a tiredness settles over us.

It is not a bone tiredness, it is a soul tiredness.”

This is why so many people feel exhausted even after weekends, holidays, or rest.

It’s not physical fatigue alone - it’s the exhaustion of a soul that has been ignored for too long.

Neuroscience shows us that living in constant self-sacrifice keeps the nervous system activated, never fully restored. Consciousness teaches us that we cannot play our purposeful role in life if we never open the door to ourselves.

Prioritising your needs is not selfish.

It is responsible.

It is necessary.

It is life-giving.

When you honour yourself, you don’t take away from others - you finally have something real to give.

The Cost of Forgetting Yourself

Sue Leppan Transformation Facilitator & Life Coach

Sue Leppan is a life, transformation and holistic wellness coach based in Sandbaai, Hermanus. Providing therapy for a range of challenges, Sue specialises in targeting and dealing with emotional trauma, self-doubt, depression, stagnation and self-centring. Whether you need help with personal issues ...

View Profile

What is Xplorio?

Xplorio is your local connection allowing you to find anything and everything about a town.

Watch the Gansbaai Video
Read More

Other Articles

You Are Not Your Past

You Are Not Your Past

There is no shame in the pain you carry from your past.

Life Reflects You

Life Reflects You

Not to define you…

A Wild Start to the Day: Leopard Spotted

A Wild Start to the Day: Leopard Spotted

This morning, our reserve manager received an exciting camera trap alert of a leopard sighting. 

Grootbos Foundation
200+ Youth Apply for Life-Changing Opportunities

200+ Youth Apply for Life-Changing Opportunities

This week was full of excitement as Grootbos Foundation interviewed over 200 young people...

Grootbos Foundation
Sport Changing Lives in Gansbaai

Sport Changing Lives in Gansbaai

For some, Grootbos Foundation is best known for our work in conservation and in fynbos, but for a larger part of the community...

Grootbos Foundation
200+ Youth Apply for Grootbos Skills Programmes 2026

200+ Youth Apply for Grootbos Skills Programmes 2026

This week was full of excitement as Grootbos Foundation interviewed over 200 young people...

Grootbos Foundation
See All Articles