“Because You Deserve It, Too”

A gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and treat yourself — not someday, but today.

Written by: Ella Billones (Client & VA Success Associate of OLIVIA Professional Solutions)

The Person You Keep Forgetting

Sometimes we’re so busy showing up for everyone else — work, family, friends, responsibilities — that we forget one very important person: ourselves.

Hi! I’m Ella, a Client and VA Success Associate at OLIVIA. When I started working, my mindset was all about helping my brother graduate and giving back to my family. Those were my reasons. And while that’s beautiful and I’m proud of it  — but somewhere in that journey, I forgot to ask myself, “Where do I fit in this story?”

Have you ever felt that too? That for others, you’re so quick to give — time, money, energy. Someone asks for something, and you don’t think twice. But when it’s about yourself? You hesitate. You overthink. Even something as simple as ordering iced coffee feels like a luxury you haven’t “earned” yet — so you settle for making one at home, just to save a few money.

You’ve Already Earned It

Here’s the truth: you deserve to be rewarded, too. Not because everything’s perfect or because you hit every milestone. But because you keep going.

You show up tired. You show up even when things don’t go your way. You take care of others while quietly holding yourself together.

That strength? It may not always be loud or visible — but it’s real. And it deserves to be honored.

What Reward Looks Like

Rewarding yourself doesn’t have to mean something extravagant.

But this year, I wanted something more. May was a big month for me — my first anniversary at OLIVIA, and my silver birthday. And I realized, if I keep waiting for someone to tell me I deserve to celebrate... I might never do it.

So, I booked a solo trip to Hong Kong and Macau. I spent my birthday alone, but at the happiest place on Earth! It felt like the most joyful, freeing thing I’ve done for myself.

Because for once, it wasn’t about making someone else happy. It was about me.

And during that trip — I finally said yes to every coffee I wanted.

The ones I used to skip. The ones I told myself I didn’t need. I made up for the year I spent tipid-ing, questioning if I deserved even a little treat. This time, I said yes — to the overpriced lattes, the cozy cafés, the quiet joy of sipping something just for me.

You Don’t Need a Reason

You don’t need a reason to rest. To celebrate. To buy that coffee. To take that trip. Being human is reason enough.

You don’t need to explain or justify why you’re doing something kind for yourself.

Joy isn’t something you have to “earn.” It’s something you’re worthy of, simply because you exist.

A Gentle Reminder

Take the break. Book the solo date. Drink the iced coffee you’ve been thinking about. Celebrate yourself — not just when others tell you to, but when you feel it’s time.

Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s this: You can be generous to others and still make space for yourself. The life you’re building? It includes you too.

And you — just as you are — are worth celebrating.

If this resonates with you and you’re thinking of joining OLIVIA Pros, go for it! You never know how far you can go until you take that first step. 🚀

Head to this link to a apply as a VA today!