Permission to be Selfish
It has become a running joke with my mom that whenever one of us is talking about all the many different things that we have to do, usually for other people, we say to stop being a martyr.
And while that is all said in jest, it got me thinking about selflessness and selfishness.
Selfish is usually not a word that we associate with anything good.
But with World Mental Health Day taking place tomorrow, October 10, it can be a worthwhile exercise to reframe being selfish into something that can actually be a positive.
Taking care of yourself and your mental health is not selfish. Protecting your energy is not selfish. Disappointing other people is not inherently selfish.
Oftentimes, taking care of yourself and your energy is one of the most selfless things you can do. It allows you to show up as your best, grounded, most present self for those people and things that matter most to you.
Continue reading for four ways that you can experiment with prioritizing yourself.
Carve Out Your Time. What are the one or two things that make you feel your best? Maybe it is a morning meditation or getting in some exercise or just taking five minutes to sit quietly while drinking your tea. Whatever it is, ensure that you are carving out time in your day to get it in. Schedule it in your calendar and let others know that this is what you need to be at your best.
Know Your Limits. When you feel yourself starting to run on empty, give yourself the permission to rest. Despite what we may think, none of us are capable of going 24/7 all the time, and one way or another it will catch up to us. Figure out what your limits are and preemptively schedule in rest time when you know that you are approaching them.
Give Your Energy to What Matters. Reflect on the people and things that truly matter to you and prioritize giving your time and mental energy to them above everything else. Remember that every time you say no to something that isn’t a high priority, you are giving yourself the space to say yes to something or someone that is.
Don’t be an Asshole. There is a very big difference between making time for your needs and self-care and becoming obsessed with only doing what you want when you want with no consideration for others. Find a balance and ensure that you are still showing up for people and having a positive impact on the world.
