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.
Register
here for your own free Daily OM
|