It’s OK to be a little bit selfish

I think the word “selfish” often gets a bad rap.

I think it also has to do with context and how someone being selfish affects others.

Dictionary.com‘s definition is:

devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one’s own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others.
characterized by or manifesting concern or care only for oneself.

The “regardless of others” bit is what can make it harmful. I, by default, tend to be more of a caretaker and people pleaser and will often put others’ needs before mine.

I have slowly been outgrowing that habit.

Diplomat’s daughter. It’s taking some time. LOL.

But sometimes I struggle with saying what I want and how I want to do it. I have a fear of being perceived as selfish and inconsiderate of others’ feelings.

It’s funny being a bride because this is a time where I get to be selfish. I get to do things the way I want to do them (for the most part). This is MY wedding. I am only doing this once.

And as I approach my Bachelorette Weekend this weekend, I need to remind myself that it is OK to be selfish. I am going to go and have fun with some important women in my life and let them take care of ME. I am not going to worry about taking care of them (as much as that is my default!) and just enjoy myself and be in pleasure. Indulge a bit. Maybe even A LOT. 😃

Actually, it’s more about receiving than anything else. Allowing myself to receive their love and generosity. Such a challenge sometimes!

What is also a challenge is that it is in Las Vegas.

I have never been.

37 years old and never been to Vegas?!?!

I know, I know…

So, I’m excited.

I am not sure what to expect, but expect to have a good time.

But a part of me is feeling sad. And a bit of guilt for having a good time with all the tragedy that has happened there recently. I have a bit of a heavy heart around that still.

So I will allow space for both. Space for the pleasure and space for feeling a little sad if I need to. Yin and yang. Balance.

But mostly pleasure in this instance.

And BE SELFISH. I spend most of my days being selfless, being a teacher and all. Now it’s time to balance that out, too.