Angela Decoteau

Lately, I’ve been in a season of healing and evolution.

For most of my life, I’ve been the one who takes care of others.
I’ve given my time, my energy, my resources… my heart.
And I did it willingly, because caring for people is part of who I am.

But somewhere along the way, I picked up a belief that love meant sacrifice.
That being “good” meant pouring out… even when my own cup was empty.
That I had to earn rest. Earn softness. Earn care.

And the truth is… I never really learned how to give to myself.

That’s changing in 2026.

This week, I did something small, but deeply meaningful:
I took myself on a little date.

I stopped at the sweetest coffee and dessert spot in Baton Rouge — Bonjour — and I sat by the window with a treat, a warm drink, and a quiet moment to breathe.

It may not seem like a big thing.
But for someone who has spent years taking care of everyone else… it was.

This is me, learning that I don’t have to disappear to be generous.
That I can be kind and still choose myself.
That caring for others begins with caring for the person I live with every day — me.

Here’s to the small steps.
Here’s to healing.
Here’s to becoming.