I've always been a people-pleaser. And with that comes always being the person who says yes to things. Yes to extra shifts at work, yes to taking the hardest classes offered, yes to accepting the lead on a project when everyone's heads immediately turn to you.

Most people will look at you in one of two ways: in anger, because you're always seemingly on top or in awe, because you somehow manage to juggle it all with such ease. What they don't see is the internal struggle, the anxiety, and the pressure that comes with trying to be superwoman all day every day.

Learning to say no was not something that came easily. In fact, even now at 19, I still don't entirely know when it's okay to say no. I'm worried that I'll let people down, that my image of having it all together will be tarnished.

People don't always react well when you say no. They expect you to be there for them. And that's what friends are for. I do my best to always make myself available for people who need me. My friends know what I've been through, so they know I can help. But sometimes carrying the burden of other people's problems can weigh heavily on my own well-being, and that's where I have to draw the line.

Some people will see you as selfish for saying know, that you think you're better than them, that you think your problems are more important.

For those of you who are like me though, you know the opposite to be true. You know that you want more than anything to be there for the people you love that are hurting. But sometimes your heart can't handle it.

Saying no to the world doesn't make you weak. Saying yes to yourself doesn't make you a bad person. Self-care seems to be a revolutionary concept these days, but it's so important if you're going to continue to be there for the people around you.

It's important to check out of the craziness around you and check in with yourself. Am I okay? Am I surrounding myself with people that make me happy? Am I using positive coping mechanisms to deal with my own pain.

Saying no to the world and saying yes to yourself isn't selfish. By accepting that you aren't perfect and you have to take care of yourself, you can work towards being the person you want to be, not the person the world perceives you to be or seemingly "needs" you to be. If you've done life right, you'll have people around you who get that. And trust me, they'll be waiting for you once you have it figured all out.

You're not selfish. You're just doing what's best for you. And that sets an example for the people around you.