If you’ve been following me for a while, you know one the pillars I stand on is that women should make it a practice to put themselves first.
Recognize that putting yourself first doesn’t mean neglecting your spouse, children or other responsibilities. As a recovering people-pleaser, I can say the best thing I ever did was learn how to say “no”. It was tough at first and I would cringe inside just hearing myself say it. I remember when I was training myself to be true to my own feelings, I would brace for the impact of someone’s attitude or being upset with me.
What I found most of the time though was that they were completely ok with me turning down their request. Others tried to play the guilt game but standing by what I truly felt no matter what helped me to feel more empowered and less resentful in my relationships.
Putting yourself first is not selfish, it’s essential. Not only does it allow us to connect with our own desires and needs but it gives us space to reflect on what’s important:
We’re better able to:
- Make choices that align with our values and goals.
- Feel less stressed and overwhelmed when facing life’s obstacles
- Stop people-pleasing by creating healthy boundaries with friends & family members
- Approach our responsibilities with more clarity and purpose
You’ll be amazed at the profound sense of satisfaction and contentment these simple things can bring you. I encourage you to find activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul.
Remember, nobody suffers when you make yourself a priority but everyone loses when you lose yourself.
