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I try to be all to everyone. A mother to my daughter with special needs. A friend to my husband that's left his family and friends in Kentucky when he moved to Michigan. A supportive friend to those trying to lose weight so they can live a healthier lifestyle and achieve their health and wellness goals. A valuable employee, a good daughter, a kind sister, a fun aunt .... But what kind of person am I for ME? And what kind of person are you for YOU?!
Do you take the time to make sure your children are eating well but allow yourself a quick snack instead of a healthy meal? Do you run a taxi service for your parents, friends and family but cannot find the time to exercise 30 minutes a day for yourself? Does your budget allow for charitable contributions and events for your children but not allow for a membership to the gym or an exercise video for you? Do you find the time to work outside of the home but not enough time to allow yourself some down time to relax? Do you spend free time volunteering for organizations you believe in but cannot find enough free time in a week to volunteer for yourself? Do you manage to schedule appointments for your family but haven't found the time to schedule a physical with your doctor? Does your phone ring and you run to answer it in case a friend or family member needs you but you cannot manage to find the time to phone a friend when you're in need? Do you read all the emails in your inbox but cannot find fifteen minutes to surf the web to find information that you've been looking for? Does your schedule allow for attending sporting events for your children or grandchildren but not allow time for you?
I'm not suggesting that you put everyone else aside and become a selfish individual, but I am suggesting that you are entitled to be selfish on occasion. It's not healthy to put everyone else first all the time. It's certainly acceptable to say "no" or "not now" on occasion. Remember to take care of yourself! If you don't care of you, how can you possibly take care of everyone else?
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