Growing up, we've all been told to treat others how you want to be treated, be kind, and always do what you can to make others happy. I agree with all three of these things, but throughout my life, there have been times when I needed someone to be there for me like I was for them. More times than I can count, I've dropped everything I was doing or completely disregarded what I was doing for myself just to help others. Please don't misinterpret this; I love helping others. I love seeing people smiling and being happy because we all deserve that. But there will be times in life when you're going to have to choose between helping someone else, and helping yourself. It's okay to choose to help yourself! You have the right to be selfish and put yourself first every now and then. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
If you have an important test to study for and your friend calls you the night before saying that she wants you to come over, it's okay to tell her you'll be there tomorrow! If you've been up all night with anxiety attacks, it's okay to miss a day of class to rest! Your mental health is so much more important than any grade ever will be. If you've been in a relationship for any period of time and you spoil them every chance you get and you realize that you haven't bought anything for yourself in a while, it's okay to spend money on yourself!
You deserve to be happy! You deserve to feel important! You deserve to be selfish every once in a while! Despite what you've been told, you matter, too. Your happiness matters. I'm not saying that you should always ignore other responsibilities and people in your life, but I am saying that you should treat yourself every now and again. You deserve to have a break. You deserve it.
With that being said, you remember those pair of shoes you've been wanting? Go buy them! That new show on Netflix you've been wanting to watch? Stock up on snacks, turn off your phone, and binge watch! Been wanting to go to the coast and escape for a few days? Take off work and book a room! Go to the concert, adopt the dog, bake a cake and eat the entire thing on your own. Whatever you've been wanting to do, do it!
Your purpose in this life is to be happy. How can you do that when you never focus on yourself? Treat yo'self!
