Must Be Nice: The Real Reason We Need to Prioritize Self-Care

For the first few years that I knew Wendy, one thing stood out: Girlfriend worked out. A lot. And it was non-negotiable. She did Pilates at least five days a week. She rowed almost every day. When we started working together, I quickly learned we had to schedule around her workouts—not the other way around.

But in the back of my mind, a little voice kept whispering: “Must be nice.”

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a student of the great Brené Brown, it’s that my moments of self-righteousness are usually big flashing neon signs that it’s time for some inner work. So what the heck did “must be nice” really mean?

The truth is, I was really saying, “I wish I had time for that, too.”

For most women, self-care sits at the very bottom of the priority list. And make no mistake: working out, moving your body, and caring for your health are vital forms of self-care. By saying “must be nice,” I was admitting that I craved more space for me.

So last April, I did a radical thing: I signed up for a trial Pilates class. I was intimidated. I’d never worked out on a reformer before, and I wasn’t in the best shape. The first few classes kicked my butt—I hurt from head to toe. But something else started happening.

Six months in, I could see definition in my arms. Nine months in, my pants started fitting a little looser. Most importantly, my head felt clearer, and my anxiety was noticeably reduced. Turns out those people who rave about endorphins might be on to something.

The Power of Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

What I’ve learned from this experience lines up perfectly with our philosophy here at Serendipitous Rebel, where we encourage women to SAVOUR their lives and businesses. SAVOUR means embracing growth and leaning into new challenges—even when they scare you a little. When we step out of our comfort zones (like trying a new workout routine or launching a daring new offer), we unlock parts of ourselves we might have been ignoring.

When I signed up for that trial Pilates class, I chose to believe that my health and well-being were worth making time for. If you can muster the courage to try something different—whether it’s a workout you’ve never done or a bold pivot in your business—it can pay dividends in energy, confidence, and clarity.

Building Self-Care into Your Routine

As female entrepreneurs, we’re often juggling so many responsibilities—family, clients, team members—that our own needs get shoved to the side. It’s easy to slip into the trap of thinking, When I have more time, then I’ll focus on self-care.But here’s the secret: you won’t suddenly find more time. You have to make it.

Wendy modeled that lesson for me. Working out wasn’t just a “nice-to-have” for her—it was a cornerstone of her daily life. She prioritized herself in a way that felt radical to me at first. But seeing how she showed up more energized, more centered, more creative for her clients and her life reminded me that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s strategic.

Be the Model for Others

Whether it’s your clients, your kids, or your colleagues, when you take care of yourself, you’re also showing others that it’s okay for them to do the same. In business, we often talk about “modeling success,” but part of being successful is having the stamina and clarity to lead. Self-care fuels that fire.

So the next time you hear that little voice whisper “must be nice,” ask yourself if you’re truly feeling envy—or if you’re craving that very same thing in your own life. If the answer is yes, do something bold: sign up for the class, book the spa day, go for the walk, or schedule time every week just for you.

Because it is nice. And you deserve it.