We humans need each other, and it's coming together and looking out for one another that makes life easier and enjoyable for all of us. However, despite how great it is to be there for others or stand by them during different phases of their life, that doesn't mean we should neglect our own needs or not prioritize what would make our lives better at the expense of helping others. Many people often tend to give other people preference when it comes to attending to need, even when they themselves have their own need. I've been in that situation before, and I'd love to talk extensively about it.
Personally for me, for most of my life I've lived a life that can be said to be more focused on pleasing others, and I can say for a fact that while I actually like it and enjoy the feeling that comes from helping others, even at my own expense, I can't help but recognize the fact that it deprived me of lots of opportunities, even leading to delays or slow progress for me, but then I see it as sacrificial living that's aimed at having a positive impact on people around me, especially my loved ones, family, and friends.
I remember how for the majority of my life after graduating from the university, I literally halted some of the things I could have done or achieved for myself because I wanted to give room for my siblings to attain some certain stage in my life, and for that reason, I couldn't progress or achieve something I would have achieved had I focused on myself or prioritized my own personal need and growth over pleasing others. I don't regret doing that, but then I can't help but be wary about wishing I had given myself some form of priority while helping others. What matters is that when you help others, do it willingly and not because of what people will say or because of what you hope to get in return in the future.
A few years ago I decided it's about time I give myself some priority, and that's why lately I've been achieving some of the things and goals I laid out for myself in the past. Since changing and giving myself more love and priority, I can say for a fact that my life has been much more fulfilling, exciting, and satisfactory. It's not like I don't feel fulfilled when I help others; it's just that there's a whole different feeling when you're the one benefiting from the work of your hands. I'm pleased by these changes, and it has led me to even do more and give myself more priority because I deserve the best, and no one can treat me well like I'd do to myself.
Nowadays I just make sure I don't leave myself out of the equation. It doesn't mean I'll stop helping others; it just means I shouldn't be left to suffer all in my quest to make life easy for someone else. That's about it on my take on this week's prompt.
All photos are mine.