“As long as you’re happy, don’t worry about me.”

These are the words I tell people day in and day out. I constantly put others first but I seem to forget about myself. I look at others and I think, “This is a human being, who has a brain, who has feelings, and who breathes life. How could I possibly put myself before them?” But sometimes, it must be done. A couple of years ago, I probably would be telling you to put others before yourself, and I think you still should, to a certain extent. However, in todays world, it seems as if we have forgotten about ourselves and our feelings. This cruel world has knocked us down time after time and made us so soft. Yes, there is bravery in being soft, but I know I am far too soft for most human liking. “Sensitive,” they call me, maybe I am, but why is this title so awful? In this world there is war, there are people going to sleep hungry night after night, and there are soldiers dying at the exact moment a child is being born. How could you not be sensitive in a world as horrific as this? Brick after brick is being placed on my chest. I have tried so hard to push through the pain. “Inhale, exhale, I tell myself.” But I think it is time to stop… and put myself first.

As for you, my friends, I need you to stop and tell yourself that everything is going to be okay. Tell yourself that you will create beautiful things. Remember to love yourself, be kind, and stay sensitive. I know the reason you are putting others first is because you do not know how to put yourself first, but repeat these statements, and I promise, you will learn. You have to learn because it is time. It is time for you to stop chasing people. The people who belong in your life will enter and always be there for you, you need only be true to yourself. It is time to think about you and make sure you are doing okay. We as humans tend to nurture everyone around us, but we don't know how to nurture our body. Remember to eat and drink properly. Your body is your temple. It is the house you grew up in. How dare you try to burn it down. Remember to adhere to your mind. Relax, unwind, take a bath, and read. It is time to reach atonement with your body. So, I told my body, “I want to be friends with you,” and I heard a soft voice reply, “I have been waiting for this my entire life.”