By: Natasha Archary
Prioritizing yourself feels like a foreign concept to many Midday Joy listeners. Many learnt the hard way that accepting breadcrumbs whilst giving others the entire bakery is not healthy.
Putting yourself first isn’t selfish. You can’t pour into others if your cup isn’t full, now can you?
Andy Maqondwana asked listeners to share that pivotal moment that forced them to make themselves a priority and the responses were profound.
Many made the decision later in life, after giving people too much.
You matter too
Women in particular responded to the topic. As wives and mothers, women naturally tend to take on the role of caregiver due to maternal instinct, put everyone else’s needs before themselves.
The problem with being this selfless is that it can lead to mental burnout and feeling unappreciated.
It’s not just women however, as men also feel they give without receiving the same acts of love in return.
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Making yourself a priority vs being selfish
Selfish people tend to think only about themselves, without a second thought about those around them.
There’s a difference between putting yourself first and being selfish.
If someone has four main priorities in life, which are family, community, health and work, each would require an equal amount of dedication in order to maintain a healthy balance.
Falter on one of those priorities and you throw the balance of the others off.
All your priorities are entwined and the success of one area of your life depends on the others.
If you’re a workaholic, it means you’re spending less time with your family. It could strain your relationships which in turn will cause stress, which leads to anxiety and depression, affecting your health.
It’s a ripple effect, and prioritizing yourself is not selfish, it’s mandatory.
If you’re healthy, both mentally and physically, you’re in a better position to excel at work, care for your family and live a balanced life.
Put yourself first
- Take care of your health
- Do what makes you happy not just what is expected of you
- Spend time with the people who reciprocate your time and energy
- Cut off those who treat you like an option
- Set boundaries with family, friends and work
- Say ‘no’ more
- Celebrate yourself
Also read: Free your mind- 21 day negative detox










