Ep. 3 - Yo Primero, Por Fin: Breaking the Latina Martyr Myth
- Jen Lezan
- May 15
- 1 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
In episode 3 of Listen, Mija - we get deep exploring the topic about relationships with ourselves. We all had a lot of thoughts on this one! Growing up Latina, many of us were taught—explicitly or silently—that love looks like sacrifice. We’re praised for being selfless, strong, and always there for everyone else. We’re daughters, sisters, comadres, caretakers. But rarely are we taught to be our own first priority.
From the kitchen to the classroom to our relationships, the message is clear: "Mija, ponte en el lugar de los demás.”Translation? Put yourself last.

In American culture, where self-empowerment is often encouraged (at least on the surface), navigating our identity as Latinas can be confusing. We want to chase dreams, prioritize our mental health, and set boundaries—but guilt creeps in. We wonder if we’re being selfish, dramatic, or “too much.”
That cultural tug-of-war impacts how we love ourselves. It shows up in our inability to say no, in how we accept less than we deserve, in how we silence our needs.
But here's the truth: putting yourself first isn’t betrayal—it's healing. It's rewriting a legacy. When we learn to have a relationship with ourselves, we break cycles. We stop surviving and start thriving.
So no, self-love isn’t just a bubble bath and a mantra—it’s radical. And for Latinas, it’s revolutionary. Yo primero isn’t selfish. It’s sacred.
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