It’s so easy to view the phrase ‘put yourself first‘ negatively. It can sound selfish and self-centred, thoughtless and arrogant. In fact, most of the articles in popular women’s magazines encourage us to do exactly that. It’s you against the world and everyone in it. Everything is a competition and everything revolves around you, the star player.
That’s not what I mean. Putting yourself first doesn’t mean that you have to fight your way to the top of the career ladder, kicking everyone else on the way up. It doesn’t mean sacrificing your relationships or friendships in order to get ahead. And it definitely doesn’t mean creating a world where you are at the centre of it. No, putting yourself first is about far much more than that. It’s about being true to who you really are, refusing to conform in order to fit in and placing value on yourself.
This is who I am
You are you and no one can take that away from you. You will never be more fulfilled than when you truly embrace yourself. You deserve better than trying to be someone else.You have skills and talents that no one else can offer and can relate to people in ways that no one else can. Your attitudes are your own which means you can change them. If you don’t like something about your life then change it. You are in control. You are enough, just as you are.
Different is beautiful
You were not designed to be a carbon copy of your best friend. You are unique and no one else shares your identity. Your views, opinions, dreams and ambitions set you apart. Your passions and inspirations are what drive you in different directions to other people. Each of us has potential placed inside of us and it won’t be truly pulled out unless we take off the masks and be who we really are. Don’t restrict your potential by not being true to yourself, dare to dream the dreams deep inside of you.
Priceless
Not placing value on ourselves leads us to feel insignificant and insecure. It causes us to miss out on our dreams and settle for second best. Don’t let yourself feel fundamentally limited because of other peoples’ expectations of you. You are worth far more than rubies or pearls – don’t compromise who you really are in order to conform to other people’s standards. Take responsibility for your own learning and put a price on your life. How we approach our dreams, goals and ambitions will determine our arrival – be someone who arrives well.
Be true to yourself and hold your head up high. Don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd. You are incredible – just as you are.
Written by Jess Wilson
TweetMe @MsJessWilson