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What if I told you that sitting in silence for just one hour could reveal the truth you’ve been avoiding? No distractions, no phone, no multitasking—just you and your thoughts. Would you embrace it, or would you immediately try to escape? If the idea makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone. The real question is: What are you running from?

As women, we’ve been conditioned to believe that rest is something we have to earn, that putting ourselves first is selfish, and that if we slow down, everything will fall apart. But this constant sacrifice isn’t just exhausting—it’s damaging your relationships, your career, and your sense of self. It’s time to break the cycle. In this article, we’re diving into why prioritizing yourself feels so hard, the hidden costs of putting yourself last, and how you can finally reclaim your time, energy, and happiness—without guilt

Summary

• Sitting in silence can reveal deep-seated fears and guilt.
• Mom guilt often stems from societal expectations and personal beliefs.
• Taking time for oneself is not selfish; it’s essential for well-being.
• Childhood experiences shape our beliefs about self-worth and sacrifice.
• Women often feel they must earn rest and self-care through productivity.
• The belief that self-sacrifice is necessary can harm relationships and personal health.
• Setting boundaries is a crucial act of self-love.
• Empower X offers support for women seeking to reclaim their lives.

Why Silence Feels Unbearable: Facing the Truth You’re Running From

Imagine being asked to sit in silence for one hour. No phone, no distractions, no multitasking—just you and your thoughts. Does the thought make you uncomfortable? Maybe you’d negotiate, cheat with a quick phone check, or feel like the assignment is a waste of time. But what’s really going on beneath that discomfort?

The truth is, silence often brings up guilt, shame, or fear. You might feel guilty thinking of the “shoulds”—“I should be folding laundry,” “I should be finishing work.” Or maybe silence forces you to confront fears like, What if I realize I’m not happy? What if I don’t even know who I am anymore?

“Sitting in silence isn’t unbearable because you’re busy; it’s unbearable because you’re running from the truth.” – Veronica Cisneros

This discomfort has roots in the stories we’ve internalized. Many women were raised to equate self-sacrifice with love and worthiness. You might have been taught that rest is something to be earned, that putting yourself first is selfish. But who decided that your happiness, your rest, and your needs were negotiable? Breaking this cycle requires a hard look at where these beliefs came from—and challenging them.

Mom Guilt: The Lie That Keeps You Exhausted

Mom guilt is a relentless whisper that says taking time for yourself is wrong, that your kids will suffer if you do.

“You just went on a business trip, and now you’re going to work out? What the hell are you thinking?” – Veronica Cisneros

The guilt convinces you to wake up at 5 a.m. to exercise so you don’t “steal” time from your family, leaving you depleted before the day even begins.

But here’s the hard truth: Your kids don’t need a perfect mom; they need a present mom. And when you’re running on empty, snapping at them over the smallest things, or zoning out in front of TikTok because you’re too exhausted to engage, you’re not truly present.

“If your child grew up and lived the life you’re living now, would you be proud of them—or heartbroken for them?” – Veronica Cisneros

Children learn by watching us. If they see you constantly sacrificing yourself, they’ll grow up believing that’s what love looks like. Is that the legacy you want to leave? Imagine instead teaching them the value of self-respect, balance, and boundaries. It starts with giving yourself permission to rest—not as a luxury, but as a necessity.

The Cost of Putting Yourself Last: Marriage, Career, and Legacy

When you put yourself last, the toll shows up everywhere. In your marriage, you might find yourself snapping at your partner or withdrawing completely, leading to distance and disconnection.

“When you don’t prioritize yourself, you show up to your marriage depleted and resentful. Then you wonder why he’s distant.” – Veronica Cisneros

But how can he connect with you when you’re running on fumes?

In your career, overworking and overcommitting often lead to burnout. Many women think this is the cost of success, but as Veronica puts it, “Success without boundaries isn’t success—it’s survival.”

And then there’s the legacy you’re leaving for your children. If they see you sacrificing yourself constantly, they’ll believe that’s what’s expected of them too. Veronica shares a personal moment when she asked her kids if they wanted to take over her practice. Their answer shocked her: “We see what it does to you, Mom.” That was a wake-up call. Even though she tried to hide the exhaustion, they saw the toll it was taking.

The good news? You can change. Boundaries aren’t selfish. They’re the ultimate act of love. By setting boundaries, you teach others how to treat you—and you create space for what truly matters.

Join Empower X and Reclaim Your Life

If this resonates with you, it’s time to take action. Veronica created Empower X to help women break free from these patterns and reclaim their time, energy, and sense of self. Through the program, you’ll learn how to define what you want—not just for your family or career, but for yourself.

Empower X will teach you how to delegate without guilt, integrate self-care into daily life, and reconnect with your partner, kids, and most importantly, yourself. As Veronica says, “Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.”

This week, challenge yourself to sit in silence for one hour. Let whatever emotions come up—guilt, fear, or even the ugly cry—rise to the surface. And then ask yourself: What do I need to change to start prioritizing myself? If you’re ready to go deeper and do the hard, transformative work in a community of women who truly understand you, join Empower X today.

Go to veronicasisneros.org/empowerx and take the first step toward creating the life you deserve. Let’s start a movement—a girl gang of women who refuse to settle for less than they’re worth. See you in Empower X!

Useful links:

• Join our FaceBook Page – Empowered and Unapologetic
• Take the Marriage Predictor quiz!
• Follow me on Instagram
• Check out the new website! https://veronicacisneros.org/
• Outside The Norm Counseling – 951 395 3288 call to schedule an appointment today!
• 5 Things that are Killing your Marriage Free Guide available at www.veronicacisneros.org

Meet Veronica Cisneros

As a leading authority in women’s empowerment and a fierce advocate for building strong networks, Veronica is your go-to guru for turning fears into victories, struggles into strengths, and doubts into boundless opportunities.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 10 plus years; empowering high-achieving women in business to conquer both professional heights and personal fulfillment. She doesn’t do bandaids!
Veronica has a unique approach to overcoming obstacles and smashing through the glass ceilings that loom over ambitious women. With her arsenal of practical tools, actionable strategies, and unwavering support, Veronica doesn’t just help women succeed in their careers – she helps them thrive in every facet of their lives.

But Veronica’s expertise isn’t just theoretical – it’s personal. With over 24 years of marriage, three daughters, and a soaring career, Veronica embodies the resilience and determination needed to navigate life’s challenges. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Group Private Practice Owner, of Outside The Norm Counseling, Marriage Coach, and the voice behind the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, Veronica effortlessly guides women to challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones.

Veronica is more than an expert – she’s a partner in transformation, turning mundane relationships into true connections. With her relatable charm and infectious humor, Veronica illuminates the path for women who refuse to settle for anything less than success in both business and relationships. Through practical tips, heartfelt anecdotes, and her trademark wit, Veronica empowers every woman to cultivate unbreakable bonds without sacrificing their ambitions.

Whether you listen to the podcast, join the free Facebook community, or do the Workshop,  you’re in the right place. Let’s do this together!

Thanks for listening!

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