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 Stanford Video
Read More

Other Articles

Stop Searching Outside Yourself for What’s Inside You

Stop Searching Outside Yourself for What’s Inside You

Many people arrive at coaching because they are exhausted.

WHEN OTHER PEOPLE'S PAIN FEELS LIKE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

WHEN OTHER PEOPLE'S PAIN FEELS LIKE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

As we continue this week's journey into self-love and self-kindness...

WHEN KINDNESS BECOMES AN INVITATION TO BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED

WHEN KINDNESS BECOMES AN INVITATION TO BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED

Last week, we explored how many people spend their lives searching for recognition...

Payment Dates for the Financial Year

Payment Dates for the Financial Year

Payment Dates for the Financial Year.

Gans-Berg Nuus / News - 19 June 2026 Edition

Gans-Berg Nuus / News - 19 June 2026 Edition

The latest edition of Gans-Berg News is out now!

Gans-Berg Nuus / News
THE BATTLE BETWEEN SELF-LOVE AND RECOGNITION

THE BATTLE BETWEEN SELF-LOVE AND RECOGNITION

One of the most common forms of inner conflict is also one of the most difficult to recognise. 

See All Articles