There is a group of girls out there that do everything for everyone else. You know who you are. We will drop everything when someone is in need. Need a shoulder to cry on, a ride somewhere, homework help? Don't fret, call us and we are there. It isn't a bad thing to want to help other people; however, we often forget to take care of ourselves. We spread ourselves thin and fully empty our cup. We often refuse help from other people and hide our problems and feelings. I don't know why we do this. Maybe it is because we don't have the time to deal with them and with everything we have going on, or perhaps we believe that our problems don't matter. Either way, I'm here to tell you differently.

I can not remember a time where I didn't put 100% of my focus on helping others. It is a significant part of my personality, and I don't blame myself for that. However, when I got to high school, it went into high gear. I believed I was invincible and could take on the world, no the universe. After seven years of putting myself on the back burner and going full speed, I crashed. A few months ago I realized I couldn't do that anymore. I was heading into the new semester at full speed, taking on four new leadership roles and plans to join three clubs. I realized I was exhausted and didn't know how I was going to do it. So, I looked into the mirror and told myself, "it is okay to be selfish baby girl." So that is what I am here to tell you.

Be selfish. Get rid of the people in your life that aren't giving you what you need and are draining you; this gives you room to find people who do. Start a journal to write down all of your feelings and everything you want in life. Go shopping, by yourself and get an outfit that makes you feel unstoppable. Don't be afraid to do things alone. Don't be scared to say no when you are exhausted and need time for yourself. You don't have to quit all of your responsibilities. I am still a leader in four different roles and apart of three different clubs, but I after doing all of the things listed above, and I am no longer exhausted. Sure, you will still be overwhelmed sometimes, but when you take care of yourself, it is ten times more possible. So be selfish baby girl, you deserve it.