Is taking time for yourself being selfish or an act of self love? It’s an interesting question which has cropped up in conversation a few times in recent weeks. My conclusion is that we all deserve to be happy and live a fulfilled life. However, throughout our lives we play many different roles, and I’m learning it’s about how best to balance these to make sure I still have an enriched life.

Inevitably as we go through our lives there will be changing priorities and sometimes you can put yourself first, other times you’ll come last. However, if you feel you are always coming last then you need to make changes. Wanting some time to yourself is not being selfish it’s an act of self love and respecting your own self worth. Only you can make the necessary changes to ensure that you get quality time to enrich your life. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, especially if there are already formed patterns of behaviour and you’re a people pleaser. By nature you probably feel selfish for taking time to yourself, but, by giving yourself that time to grow you’ll be a happier person to be around.

Think about it, how many times a day or week are you doing things for others and not for yourself? I’d say most of the time the balance is in their favour. It’s time to change that because that is not a balance. Saying No to someone and setting boundaries on what you can achieve for them is not being selfish. You need to set new patterns of behaviour so that people will eventually get used to these and if they don’t, then it is they who are being selfish with how they are treating you.

Putting you at the centre of your life will show you that your needs and wants are just as valuable as someone else. Do not feel guilty about wanting to look after your health and well-being. By looking after No.1 you’ll be happier, more fulfilled, and energised.