ALWAYS CHOOSE 'YOU'
I grew up in a family where I was taught that putting others first was the key to being a good person. I was encouraged to volunteer, donate to charity, and sacrifice my own needs and desires for the benefit of others. And I did.
As I got older, this pattern continued. I found myself in relationships where I constantly put my partner's needs before my own. I became a people-pleaser, putting everyone else's needs before my own.
Whether it was a request from a friend, a family member, or a coworker, I always felt obligated to say yes. I even put my friends' and family members' expectations above my own desires. At some point, people used it against me. "Ask Betty, she wouldn't object," they'd say. I thought I was being selfless, but in reality, I was being selfish, unkind, and wrong to myself. I forgot that one can't pour from an empty cup.
I needed to put myself first, prioritize my desires, and have a sense of freedom and empowerment to say no to certain things. I finally realized that choosing myself was all that mattered. And I realized how much I had neglected myself for others.
I made a decision to end that pattern. It was hard, no doubt. I felt guilty and selfish for putting my own needs first. But I kept reminding myself that I was worth it, and that prioritizing my own needs was necessary for my own happiness and well-being.
I made a decision to end that pattern. It was hard, no doubt. I felt guilty and selfish for putting my own needs first. But I kept reminding myself that I was worth it, and that prioritizing my own needs was necessary for my own happiness and well-being.
I started by setting boundaries with others. I learned to say no to requests that didn't align with my values or priorities, and I started communicating my own needs and desires more clearly. I also started taking time for myself, doing things that brought me joy and fulfillment.
And you know what? The world didn't end. In fact, my relationships with others improved, my work became more fulfilling, and I felt more confident, happy, and at peace. I learned that prioritizing my own needs and desires wasn't selfish – it was necessary. And I hope that you can learn the same lesson.
And you know what? The world didn't end. In fact, my relationships with others improved, my work became more fulfilling, and I felt more confident, happy, and at peace. I learned that prioritizing my own needs and desires wasn't selfish – it was necessary. And I hope that you can learn the same lesson.
Remember, always choose YOU. Prioritize your own needs and desires, and don't be afraid to listen to your own voice. You are worth it.
P.S. Selflessness and choosing oneself may seem contradictory at first, but they're not necessarily mutually exclusive. Selflessness is the act of putting others' needs before your own. It involves sacrificing your own desires, interests, or well-being for the benefit of others.
P.S. Selflessness and choosing oneself may seem contradictory at first, but they're not necessarily mutually exclusive. Selflessness is the act of putting others' needs before your own. It involves sacrificing your own desires, interests, or well-being for the benefit of others.
Choosing yourself, on the other hand, means prioritizing your own needs, desires, and well-being. This doesn't necessarily mean being selfish or ignoring others' needs, but rather finding a balance that allows you to thrive.
The contradiction arises when selflessness is taken to an extreme, leading to self-neglect and exhaustion. In this sense, choosing yourself can be seen as a necessary corrective to excessive selflessness.
The contradiction arises when selflessness is taken to an extreme, leading to self-neglect and exhaustion. In this sense, choosing yourself can be seen as a necessary corrective to excessive selflessness.
However, it's also possible to practice selflessness in a way that's healthy and sustainable, by prioritizing your own needs and well-being while still being generous and compassionate towards others.
Ultimately, the key is finding a balance that works for you, rather than trying to choose between selflessness and choosing yourself.
Don't be a martyr and burn out. Choose YOU first.
Ultimately, the key is finding a balance that works for you, rather than trying to choose between selflessness and choosing yourself.
Don't be a martyr and burn out. Choose YOU first.