I start out with good intention. I am going to stick up for me today. I am going to go for a walk at lunch so I can get some down time before starting the afternoon. Unfortunately, it always turns out the same: I decide that I need to look over the paperwork over lunch, distribute those faxes to the correct people. I sometimes think that I am cast in the movie Groundhog Day.
I have always been that person who puts myself on the back-burner and made sure everyone else had what they needed. It can be work, family or friends. I think one main thing I know being in my fifties is this needs to change. It is my turn and I need to learn to take care of me.
You may ask how do you change course? For me it is small steps. I have decided I am going to start a Zumba class near me. I have always wanted to try Zumba and it will allow me to meet new people. I also am looking into taking an advanced photography course.
The second part of my plan involves rewarding and nurturing myself. I am going to use those massages I have accrued. I am going to Phipps and enjoy. My list of rewards will grow and I will share them
I decided to share this because I think there are more people who may need to change the path we are following. I would like to hear some of your ideas.
Blooming Burgh Boomer 
It took me a long time to accept the fact that putting yourself first is a good thing. I just recently learned the terminology for that is called “healthy selfish”. When you practice healthy selfish you are in reality helping yourself to become healthy from the inside out. My old self would always put others first too, family, friends, neighbors etc. I had to learn, the hard way, that doing that can cause more damage to ourselves than we realize until it is too late. Now, I make it a PRIORITY to take care of myself first in a healthy selfish way. One way I do that is to make sure I eat right, exercise, and make time to do some of the things that I enjoy and that I find fulfillment in everyday. If I don’t make myself a PRIORITY, the things I want to do that mean the most to me just wouldn’t get done. When I love and take care of me first…I am much better prepared to love and take care of others. 🙂 Great post. Thanks for sharing. Be good to yourself… 🙂
I like the term “healthy selfish”. That term makes it a very positive way of thinking. I know that I need to keep working on this. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I understand. I was raised with the belief that putting ourselves before others is selfish, but lately I am starting to see that in order to give my best to others I have to take care of me and sometimes that means putting me first.
I think many of us were raised to believe that it was selfish to say no to others. I truly believe that is we take care of ourselves first we do get stronger and are truly able to share that best self with others. Thanks for your comments.