When people think of self-love they think of warm baths with flowers, lotions and body butters, a new hairstyle or cut, fancy clothes and accessories, or maybe even a new place. And although all these things are great ways to show you care about yourself and your environment, these are more materialistic things that can easily be stripped away. A more tangible way to show self-love is through healing the body, mind, and soul. Setting boundaries where there needs to be and knowing when to walk away from a relationship that is no longer serving you.
Why Do I Struggle With Putting Myself First?
Sometimes we struggle to put ourselves first for various reasons. Maybe we weren’t taught to, we had to pick of the pieces where other people couldn’t, lack of boundaries, not seeing a good example of what putting yourself looks like, or not having a strong foundation of taking care of yourself first are all reasons why putting yourself first can be a struggle. A lot of times from experience and watching others, we are taught in society to take care of other people first before ourselves, which can be a bad thing sometimes because it leaves our cup dry while other people’s cups are filled. This can leave you feeling down or fatigued, unloved or uncared for because you’re pouring so much into others somewhere along the way you have forgotten about yourself. But one thing to remember is that you are just as important as anybody else, that includes to you as well.
How Do I Show I Still Care Without Putting Myself Second?
There are countless of ways to show you still care, love, or cherish someone without putting yourself second. One way is to help out around the house if you live with someone without them having to ask, having a conversation with out always feeling the need to bring up yourself, check in with others to see how they are feeling, or go out on the town with your favorite person or people for know other reason than enjoying their company are all great ways to show you care without taking away from yourself.
Sometimes showing you care doesn’t require much but a little effort and time. People that truly care will appreciate your efforts and self-awareness more than you know, even if it’s not always over the top. And most importantly, pour into others that pour back into you.
What Steps Can I Take To Put Myself First?
A few steps to take to make sure your always putting yourself first without being selfish, is creating a regime, create a skin care routine or physical routine that allows you to take care of your physical body and health. Go to the doctors, to make sure you are in tip top shape. Check in with yourself emotionally on the daily to see how you’re feeling or ask yourself what you are in need of and figure out a way to get it. If you’re spiritual, spend time with yourself and pray or meditate on a deeper level as to what you might need and change for the betterment of you. Learn something new and explore, there’s a huge world out there and it’s dying to have you apart of it, figure out what you like and don’t. Lastly, set strong boundaries for yourself and for the people around you when it comes to what you need and what they need of you so your cup is never dry but your not pushing people away or leaving them on the outskirts.
Putting yourself first is not always easy as we naturally want to give to others, but never give to others at your own detriment or more than what you can exceed. You, your body, and mind will appreciate you more when you pour into your own cup, and others will see that and follow suite and pour back into you too.
Happy Self-Love!
Kaymarie 