Selfish

The term “selfish” is almost always said with negative connotations.  “How can he be so selfish?”  It is very rarely put in a positive light.  “I just want an hour to myself, is that selfish?”

According to Merriam-Webster selfish is defined as:

“ concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself : seeking or concentrating on one’s own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others    “

But is it ever ok to be selfish?  Is it ever ok to say, “I need time for me.  I need to be selfish for a while and take care of myself before I can take care of anyone else.”  The answer is YES.  ABSOLUTELY.

As the mom of four special needs kiddos, I rarely get time to myself.  I balance doctors’ appointments, procedures, medications, phone calls to insurance, phone calls to medical supply companies, and more, and that’s just for the kids!  As a US Army veteran, I also have my own health issues to take care of.  I have appointments with several specialists at the VA, and I’m having shoulder surgery next month which will land me in a sling for at least 6 weeks.

I see a lot of people who will completely drain themselves to take care of others.  I’m guilty of it myself.  People who put themselves last, others first, and find themselves an empty shell eventually.

Selfish behavior is NOT ALWAYS A BAD THING.  Say it again for the people in the back!  BEING SELFISH CAN MEAN TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF.  It is so important that care givers take care of themselves.  You cannot help anyone if you are draining yourself dry.  You cannot maintain a healthy life if you do not take care of yourself.

Don’t be afraid to be selfish.  Don’t feel guilty for taking an hour to take a bath, read a book, drink some wine, listen to music, or just nap.  Maybe just sit peacefully in a quiet room and reset yourself.

Don’t be afraid to be selfish.  You deserve to take care of yourself.