You First. Others comes next.

I hit rock bottom yesterday… it’s probably one of those Sunday blues things. I snapped at my husband and disappointed my son—who wanted to spend family time outside. I could see that I dragged the mood down, but what can I do? Faking it for everyone would only make me feel worse. So, I stepped away and let myself do what I needed. I took a nap and a break from them.

As an introvert, I need a lot of “me time” or simply put, be alone.

Was it selfish of me? Yes.

But I needed it. I’ll make up for their disappointment the next day.

Okay, so we all know how important it is to help others and be there for them, right? It’s all good stuff. But here’s the deal – taking care of yourself is just as important. It’s not being selfish; it’s just making sure you’re in a good place too.

Why You? Why Now?

It’s simple – if you’re always putting others first and never taking time for yourself, you’re heading for burnout city. Like, think about when you’re on a plane and they tell you to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others. Taking care of yourself means you’ll be in a better position to help those around you when they really need it.

The “Selfish” Stigma

We’ve all heard it, right? “Oh, if you take time for yourself, that’s selfish!” Total myth. There’s a huge difference between being selfish and practicing self-care. It’s about finding that balance and recognizing that your well-being matters too.

Embracing “Me Time”

So, look, self-care isn’t just about massages and spa days (although, those are nice!). It’s about doing things that recharge your batteries. Whether it’s chilling out with a good book, going for a walk, or just saying “no” when you need to, it’s about doing what’s good for you.

Basically, it’s all about finding that middle ground. You want to be there for others, sure, but not at the expense of your mental and physical well-being. It’s a journey of learning to set boundaries and giving yourself the care and attention you deserve.

Bottom line: Don’t feel guilty about prioritizing yourself. It’s not selfish; it’s essential. By taking care of your own needs and well-being, you become better equipped to support others and handle life’s challenges. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. So go on, take care of yourself, and watch how it makes a positive difference in everything you do.

You got this!

PS: It’s not just for you. I’m posting this for myself as well. I may sound like some self-care advisor but at the end of the day, this advice is something I need for myself the most.

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