We all make decisions on a daily basis. Sometimes they’re as easy as figuring out whether or not a $2.95 coffee is worth the trip or as difficult as having to choose who deserves a place in your life and who doesn’t. We make decisions so often that they direct our days and continually shape us into the person we’ll become one day.

For some types of healing, they require decisions. Our bodies automatically heal whenever needed. If you get cut, scraped or bruised, your body automatically works towards resolving the injury. On the other hand, our minds heal in an entirely different way. We need to make the first move when dealing with our minds. This could mean simply changing our outlooks or even choosing to get professional help.

Sometimes being able to make a decision to choose yourself over anyone else is just as important as any other seemingly mediocre decision we get to make. It can be wise. It can be the choice that gives you the opportunity to be there for others. It can be the choice that saves you from becoming someone you weren’t meant to be.

I’ve had to make a decision this last semester and it benefited numerous relationships knowingly and unknowingly. I chose myself. I chose to actually self-reflect and finally give myself the time I had been giving away to others that I can honestly say didn’t deserve it. I even decided to give my past the time it deserves instead of continually pushing it to the back of my mind. If we expect to be there for others, why not be there for ourselves first?

Society advocates for people to put themselves first, but when the time comes, people seem to reject that idea. We’re expected to “be of service” to others and yes, we should be there for others, but if the end result is burnout after continually choosing things above yourself then what is the point?

There is a healthy balance and in order to have that balance, you need to give yourself the same amount of time that you are giving to others. For me it can look like finally reading a book I’ve been eyeing or enjoying a cup of coffee at my favorite coffee shop or taking myself shopping. Retail therapy is very real and though you might drop some serious money, I promise you it will work out in the end anyways.

Choose yourself. Take the step towards making yourself the person who is proud of who they are. Proud of the decisions that were made to truly focus on yourself. I have not met anyone who has ever been upset at giving more time and effort to take care of themselves. I have never felt angry at “lost time” or not being able to put time elsewhere. It’s always rewarding and can be spent however you’d like.

You need to make sure you give yourself the time. You need to remember to choose yourself.