It's Okay to be Selfish

I am going to tell you something that goes against what we have been taught our whole lives - it is okay, and even sometimes essential, to be selfish.

We live in a society that constantly pressures us to put other people's needs before our own. Parents' needs come after their children's, spouses' needs come second to their love's. Every move we make is supposed to benefit those around us, which is an awesome and beautiful thing! However, what about our own needs? If we are too busy living our lives for those around us, who is going to help us?

It's become taboo to put yourself first. We're taught to be selfless: always think of others first; put your desires on the back burner. However, if you can't care for yourself, it is likely that you cannot fully care for others. Jim Rohn said it perfectly, “you take care of you for me and I’ll take care of me for you.” 

Too often I hear the words "I wish that I could do that" and it makes me wonder why people think that they can't.  You can put school on hold while you figure out what you actually want to do. You can backpack Europe on a whim. You can actually do pretty much anything you want to. All it takes is a little bit of courage and the will to be selfish. 

Never live vicariously through anyone else. Follow your heart and follow your dreams.

Embrace your selfishness. Find the zest for your life. Instead of worrying about how other people will receive you, worry about what it is that you actually want to do. 

I am selfish. I am proud of it. And I think that you should be too.