Putting Yourself First
Meeting Your Own Needs
In life, we are encouraged to think of others first. It is seen as a virtue to selflessly address the needs of parents, children, friends, and loved ones, before or sometimes at the cost of our own needs. But this virtue, like any, is best and most meaningful in moderation. Overly caring for others can easily be an unconscious cry for love or a crutch. Devoting all of your time to others can stand in the way of you caring for yourself. Taking care of yourself can feel selfish while taking care of others can seem easier than dealing with your own issues. But addressing your own needs first in some cases is beneficial and vital not only to your own health and well-being, but to your ability to care for others when needed.

We often find ourselves faced with too many responsibilities and those most readily given up are often those most important to us. Ask yourself why. Do you feel the need to prove yourself by being selfless or hope your sacrifice will be acknowledged? Do you feel selfish for wanting things for yourself? Or is it simply more stressful to contemplate your own needs, because they are the ones requiring the most personal effort on your part? Selfless dedication can be frustrating when we don't find the appreciation or love we desire, which ironically leads to putting more effort into others. But when you care for yourself, you affirm your own worth and boundaries. Don't be afraid to put yourself first now and then. Listen to your inner voice and be fair to yourself as well as to others. Have the courage to face your needs and issues head on without putting them off by helping someone else with theirs.

Avoiding caring for oneself is often indicative of great internal struggle. It can be helpful to recognize that you are as deserving of care as any other human and that you, too, function best when your needs are met. Try, when possible, to do something special, take a break, ask for help, and to give your own needs the attention they deserve.



http://www.dailyom.com/

I will reply anyway:P

yep yep

a good article

their is nothing wrong to have "me" time.............I always FORCE my mummy to go and do something for herself......................leave us, my dad, grandparents alone................................luckily my dad is equally supportive and holds equal responsibilties...............me and my sis force our parents out of the house to have "own" time.................plus we get to have the house to ourselves...........party party whoa whoa whoa

Im glad i dont suffer from that being 'selfless disease' ...

!ME ME ME !

@ bluehoney

good article, wish to God I had read it 6 years ago would had saved alot of pain.

Growing up in the Church, I feel I was heavily indoctrinated with the belief that I was to care for others and in my mind this also meant putting other peoples needs before my own. I quickly found out as I ventured out of the Church that this don’t really work too well in the real world and I believe I was perceived as a fool, and needy in the eyes of others who thought they were getting one over me through my sacrifice and acts of kindness.

Subsequently I have come to realise that I must always put myself first, know what I want and not be afraid to ask for it! However this does not stop me from being kind as well. I also encourage others to seek their needs, but at the same time, be willing to compromise or make sacrifices where necessary but ultimately seek out your happiness with out feeling guilty.

“Because Your Worth It!� like the L'Oreal advert says!

Self preservation is the first law of nature.

But we still should be mindful of others and avoid that selfish materialistic attitude that is destroying the black community the world over.