Does it ever seem like you're always giving and getting nothing in return? Are you tired of pouring everything you are into something or someone and being left empty? This happens when we allow ourselves to put our own best interest behind other people. We often go for long periods of time without really doing what's best for us, and that's a shame. I've had enough of this, and I think it's time to put ourselves first. We all deserve to be able to put ourselves first in order to open new doors.

By putting yourself first, I don't mean to disregard the needs or feelings of others. Give yourself an evaluation. How are you coping with your personal, social, and professional life? If you feel stuck in an area because of trying to please others, don't be afraid to do what's best for your personal growth, and get out. I have a problem with giving all that I am to people with hopes of fixing them. This isn't healthy even though it's done with good intentions. Some of us have a tendency to want to fix everyone we love, even when that causes us to put a hold on fixing ourselves. I'm tired of putting myself on the back burner in order to help everyone else. Don't blame me, because I believe that all of you should feel the same.

There comes a point when our efforts reach a limit, and the people we're trying to help have to take the wheel and do the rest on their own. We have to realize that we cannot cure the people we love who are broken. You can't continue to spread yourself thin and expect to grow. Cutting people off is hard, especially when you've devoted so much of yourself to them. When relationships, friendships, etc. start to interfere with your own well-being, you have to be proactive in order to protect yourself. Let them go and start to appreciate yourself. If we have so much to offer, then who's to say we can't use our love to better ourselves.

Start putting yourself first by taking a break from the negative forces in your life, whether that be people, habits, or anything else that is holding you back. This is hard, so you really have to commit if you want to bring about change. Cutting someone or something out of your life doesn't have to be forever--just give yourself enough time to recover and grow. Putting yourself first isn't selfish--it's necessary for personal growth. Don't put your self-worth behind anyone else's.