I know what you’re thinking. “Did she really say that?” “It’s not okay to be selfish.” If that’s the case, why did you click on the article? Curious where I am coming from? Let me clarify a little bit for you. I don’t mean be selfish in terms of ignoring others completely. But I do mean it's okay to be selfish with your feelings.

It’s okay to be self-seeking and want happiness for yourself. In school we were always taught to put others first and think of others’ feelings. But there comes a time when your happiness is just as important.

It’s okay to be selfish and do something that pleases yourself. There are many choices in life that we are faced with, some bring out old wounds of others and you want to do all you can to save their feelings. That’s what I always thought was best to do, be selfless and help protect them.

As I have grown older and come across many of those forks in the road I have decided not everyone can be pleased. If it comes down to your long term happiness you are allowed to go for it. Go for the opportunity for a job or go for the chance at a relationship.

I’m being shown life is too short for regrets and settling. I think growing up is realizing the change in lifestyle you develop from being a kid and sticking to following the golden rule to when you realize life is a lot harder than that concept. I may have people disagree with me and think being selfish over a job or selfish for going after a relationship isn’t okay. Don’t worry, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Just remember you can’t please everyone, so treat your heart and please yourself every once in a while.