I’ve always been taught that putting others first is the right thing to do. I’ve always been encouraged to help others and do my best to keep any promises I make. I was raised to take care of others. My family is the type to befriend strangers in an elevator, or form personal relationships with the UPS guy at work.

I come from a family of loving, caring people and I’m proud to say that I try to follow their example in putting others first.

However, there comes a time when we must all put ourselves first. I don’t mean throwing out all commitments and responsibilities in favor of “me time.” Instead, I mean taking time to listen to yourself.

It’s very easy to get caught up in life and let yourself slip down your priority list. I’m guilty of booking my week solid on more than one occasion, only to reach the weekend and discover exactly how little sleep I’ve gotten.

It’s exhausting to constantly put others first. While it might be the right thing to do, I think everyone should take a break from selflessness every once in a while.

This first month of summer has provided me an opportunity to be selfish. I’ve put most of my commitments on hold in favor of taking care of myself.

I’ve begun losing weight and focusing on eating healthy. I have gotten more sleep, and spent some quality time alone. I

It’s taught me a lot about myself, and taught me that it’s okay to be selfish every once in a while.

By being selfish, I mean saying no to plans “without having a good reason.” This month has taught me that exhaustion is a good reason to turn down plans. This month has taught me that I don’t always have to have plans for my life to be worthwhile. I can spend a day without accomplishing anything, and that’s okay.

We are so quick to dismiss people who aren’t constantly involved in activities as being lazy. Why? Is being lazy really such a bad thing? In the same moment I’ve complained about someone being lazy, I’ve wished for more sleep in a night. With the same breath I’ve told someone they need to be more involved, I’ve wished for a moment of peace.

Taking a month to be selfish has given me a new perspective on my constant involvement in activities. While I love everything I am involved in, and all of my commitments, I will remember to take time to rest. I will not stop participating in activities and putting others first. I will instead set aside time every once in a while to be selfish. I will give myself a day to be lazy and take care of myself.

It is important not to push ourselves too hard. Putting others first does not do any good if you work yourself to death in the process!