When most people think of putting themselves first, they
might view this as behaving selfish or self-absorbed, but the reality could not
be further from this common thought process. When we as human beings decide to
put ourselves first, we are adding to the world in an extremely positive
fashion. The unfortunate fact is that many of us think that doing things over
and over and over again for others is always a good thing, when in all
actuality, it is not. When we do things for others, over and over and over
again, without getting much, if anything in return, we are truly setting
ourselves up for failure. While not always being aware of it, we are setting up
resentments in our psyche for how we treat others and how we treat the world
around us, but most of all, how we treat ourselves as individuals. Like the old
adage goes, we cannot love another before we are truly able to love ourselves,
and this could not be closer to the truth. We must respect ourselves first,
love ourselves first, and know ourselves well enough to not take on anything
that does not add value to our own lives. This aspect of well-being is vital
for growth, balance, and peace. This is not to say that we should stay hidden
and isolated and never do anything for others, but instead, it is that we
should learn to put ourselves first and then, once we really feel we are able,
and once we feel like what we are doing will not negatively affect our lives,
we can and should start to help others in ways that feel comfortable to us.
This thought process is a decision that we must all make. It
is a set of standards as such to live by which will only contribute to our
well-being overall, instead of taking away from us until there is nothing left
to give. In addition, this way of living is vital to all aspects of our lives
including the relationships that we have with others which includes friends,
family, and co-workers, but it is also important to remember this way of being
as we raise our children. The reason why putting ourselves first is such a
valid concept to raising children is that it teaches children to stand on their
own, which only adds to their self-confidence levels as well as their
self-worth as a whole. Children will follow the behavior patterns of their
parents, so as a parent, you must remember to put yourself first and show your
children that it is in their best interest to continue this behavior throughout
their lives, this is in order for them to truly learn how to lead a successful
and fulfilling life with the right people involved, instead of the wrong ones.
At the end of the day, we are our own best friend, we are
with ourselves everyday, so we must cultivate the relationship we have with
ourselves and not let helping others get in the way of this process. We must
treat ourselves with respect and kindness day in and day out. We must take care
of ourselves first, and who we are as individuals. We must give as much as
feels comfortable, and absolutely no more. We don't want to sell ourselves short
or anyone else for that matter by overextending ourselves time and time again.
This will only lead to hardship and negativity for everyone involved, including
the ones closest to us. Overextending ourselves for others also leads to disappointment
and sadness in the long run. Remember, putting yourself first is a great
blessing that we are all able to accomplish, but we must first make the right
choices and put ourselves ahead of the pack, so that we can continue to be the
best parents, lovers, and friends possible.
Embracing All Of You With Love & Kindness
Embracing All Of You With Love & Kindness
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