I know you've spent so much of your time on other people, I know you've spread yourself so thin, that you don't remember the feeling of free time or what the word "no" sounds like on your lips. It can be hard for some of us to know when to say enough is enough.

Please know that even if you don't feel like you're ready, it's time to put yourself first.

One of the many reasons that often stop us from putting ourselves first is the feeling of guilt that is often associated with it. For those who do not feel guilt easily, it is often easy to put themselves first, to say no to others when they want to or to stand up for themselves when they see they are being wronged. However, for those of us who are not so lucky, that feeling of guilt can be one that will eat us alive if we are not careful enough to stop it from doing so.

Please know that it's okay to silence that guilty voice in your head, to tell that voice that you're not a bad person, that you're not a disappoint but rather you are taking care of yourself.

I'm not trying to say that you should always put yourself first, that you should never do favors for others or go out of your way to go the extra mile for the ones you love but rather that you deserve to be able to say no or to put your foot down without feeling guilty.

As sad as it is there are so many people in this world that will take advantage of the caring and accommodating person that you are. People will take and take all while giving nothing in return, simply because they know that they can.

These are the kind of people you need to know that it's okay to stand up to, to say no and do what you need to do for you.

Putting yourself first may come with its share of difficulties, those who once loved you for your selflessness will begin to become angry with your new attitude, but know that those who do not support you are often the people who were taking advantage of you to begin with.

We all have responsibilities, things that we have to do no matter how annoying or tedious, but it's the extra things we do for others -- the thankless favors, the extra shifts that can sometimes drain us down to nothing if we don't remember to take time for ourselves.

So feel confident on the days you need to say no, take that time to relax and enjoy yourself. Stay in or go out to do something that you enjoy. You only have one you in your life, so make sure to treat yourself right. Be kind and caring toward others, but always know when to put yourself first.

Remember, self care is never selfish.