You know the word “selfish” to have a negative connotation, but a bit of selfishness is really quite healthy. You have all been told time and time again to serve and give ourselves entirely to others, but unfortunately this sometimes results in your own exclusion. While getting caught up in prioritizing other people’s needs, you can start to neglect your own. You only have one go-round, why shouldn’t you work to live in a way in which you think is the most worth your while?

Do what makes you the happiest you can be. We should all strive to live our fullest lives by maximizing the things that make us happy. While other people may encourage you to go down one particular path, it’s ok to wish to go down another path. At the end of the day, you know what will make you the happiest and you shouldn’t let other people tell you otherwise. It sounds cheesy, but shoot for the stars! Do everything you possibly can to reach your goals and live your best life.

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” - Mahatma Gandhi

You will never please everybody, so sometimes it is best to concentrate on pleasing yourself. While it is well intentioned to try to satisfy many, it’s an impossible endeavor. Every person has a different opinion and regardless of how hard you try, not everyone can be happy at all times. This just isn’t something you can control. You can, however, control yourself. You can cater to your own goals, opinions, style, needs, etc. with 100% approval: your own approval.

“Do what you feel in your heart to be right- for you’ll be criticized anyway.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

So you see, it really is ok to sometimes be a little selfish. Selfishness and selflessness go hand in hand. Without ensuring your own well being, how can you be able to help others? How can you encourage others to do what makes them happy when you are not doing that yourself? Selfishness contributes to the greater good. Selfishness teaches you how to be more selfless. You only have this one life, so make the most of it. Take care of yourself, kiddo. Someday you will use this experience to help others.

“Don’t let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” - Dalai Lama

Be what you want to be in life. Be the commander of your own ship and make life decisions that will make you the happiest. There will always be people who try to belittle you and bring you down, but only you can control your own life. Live life the best way you can, have fun, and do what you love. In this way, being selfish might be the best thing for you.