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  • Writer's pictureMarty Jalove

The Joy of Being Selfish: Why Taking Care of Yourself Should Come First

Many of us have grown up with the notion that being "selfish" is a bad thing. We're taught that putting others first is what makes us good people and that we should always say "yes" to requests from friends, family, and colleagues. But the truth is, always putting others before yourself can lead to burnout, resentment, and even a decline in mental and physical health. It's important to take care of yourself and adopt some healthy selfish habits for a happier, more fulfilling life.


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A conversation with Joe Janicki


Be honest about your needs: It's essential to know what you need in order to prioritize self-care and avoid burnout. If you're constantly saying "yes" to others and neglecting your own needs, it's time to reassess your priorities. Take time to check in with yourself and ask what you need in the moment, whether it's rest, time, or a boundary.


Learn to say "no": Saying "no" can be challenging, but it's one of the most crucial habits to cultivate when it comes to maintaining healthy boundaries. It's okay to decline requests or invitations that don't align with your needs or goals, and it's crucial to your mental and emotional health to do so. Learn more about saying, "NO!" here.



Practice self-compassion: Self-compassion is all about treating yourself with kindness and understanding instead of berating yourself for mistakes or perceived failures. It's important to cultivate self-compassion and extend that same kindness and care towards yourself as you would a close friend or loved one.


Set boundaries: Setting boundaries is essential when it comes to protecting your time, energy, and emotional well-being. Boundaries can be as simple as deciding not to check your work email after hours or as complex as ending a toxic relationship. The key is to identify what's important to you and make decisions that honor your values and well-being.


Invest in yourself: Investing in yourself can take many forms, from taking a class to improve your skillset, to practicing self-care routines that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Whatever form it takes, investing in yourself is crucial to living a fulfilling life and maintaining a healthy sense of selfishness.


How to do it with BACON:

B - Breathe: It all begins with a breath, doesn't it? The first thing you did when you came into this world and something you do about 23,000 times a day without even thinking about it. But what if you did? What if you took a moment, each day, to focus on your breath, to feel the rise and fall of your chest, the air filling your lungs, then leaving them? That's mindfulness. It's grounding. It's saying, "Here I am, in this moment, and everything else can wait."


A - Affirm: Words have power, don't they? They can build us up or tear us down. So why not choose the former? Start each day with an affirmation, a positive statement that reinforces your worth, your potential. Look in the mirror and say it out loud. "I am strong. I am capable. I am enough." Let those words be your armor against the world.


C - Create: Remember when you were a child, how you could spend hours drawing, painting, or building forts out of blankets? That was you creating. It was you expressing yourself, losing track of time because you were so immersed in the process. Why not reclaim that joy? Dedicate some time each week to create - whether it's cooking a new recipe, writing in a journal, gardening, or knitting. It's not about the end product; it's about the act of creation itself.


O - Organize: Life can seem like a whirlwind at times, can't it? Tasks, responsibilities, appointments - they all pile up until we feel overwhelmed. But what if you could tame that whirlwind? Taking time each day to organize your tasks can bring a sense of control and calm. Use a planner, create a to-do list, set reminders on your phone. It's about more than just staying on top of tasks; it's about creating a space in your life where chaos turns into order.


N - Nourish: You wouldn't run a car without fuel, so why do we often forget to properly fuel our bodies? Nourishing your body with healthy food is a form of self-care. But it's not just about what you eat; it's also about how you eat. Make your mealtime special. Sit down, savor each bite, enjoy the flavors. Treat each meal as an act of self-care, a way to nourish both your body and soul.


Becoming a little "selfish" can actually lead to greater happiness, compassion, and fulfillment. By prioritizing your needs, setting healthy boundaries, and investing in yourself, you'll actually be able to give back more to the people and causes that matter to you. So, give yourself permission to prioritize self-care and let go of any guilt or shame around being "selfish." You deserve it!


To learn about The Joy of Being Selfish: Why Taking Care of Yourself Should Come First go to: www.MasterHappiness.com/live or “Bacon Bits with Master Happiness” on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Audible, iHeart Radio or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.


Bacon bits with Master Happiness Podcast

Or catch us LIVE on "BACON BITS with Master Happiness" on www.WRLR.fm 98.3 FM, Monday Night at 7:00 PM and start making your life SIZZLE!


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