![path.jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmUoD2CWMMjMDjXUSqYdCwxW4cphXd2ScXpw9gSGGmftVS/path.jpeg) > “You are essentially who you create yourself to be and all that occurs in your life is the result of your own making.” ― Stephen Richards

Funny how winter weather seems to make a person somewhat introspective - well, that is the case for me anyway… and I certainly have had a lot on my mind lately – no shortage of things to contemplate… one part of that, being that I constantly seem to have to remind myself that it is ok to put myself first for a change. It is funny how so many of us are emotionally and socially conditioned to do the exact opposite – we put ourselves in positions and scenarios and often end up feeling cornered, trapped or obligated to remain there because we are scared of causing pain, hurt, inconvenience or whatever else for the other person or party. The problem with that though is that we are doing precisely that to ourselves by making that choice – a high price to pay really, sacrificing your own truth for the sake of someone else. ![overberg road.jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmPS5dP2RqYzbLT6kuarmkpsKfJfxuxpKPGCUr5P4ba718/overberg%20road.jpeg) > “What do you see when you look in the mirror? I hope it goes beyond beauty. I hope what you see is that person who's worth it and deserves nothing less than the best, I hope that you see beyond the pain, I hope that you see the glory ahead of you, I hope that you see the strong woman who doesn't break to fail, but breaks to stand the tallest and I hope that you'll always remember that you need to love the person in the mirror first to make a change” ― Temitayo Olami

Making yourself a priority is not something that should have guilt attached to it. It is not an act of selfishness, it is quite the opposite really… a necessity, something that should come more naturally to all of us, because the truth of the matter is that the beauty and magic of life lies in the selfless giving of yourself to others and you can never fully do that if you don’t pour from a full cup. It is a simple equation really, not unlike most other things in life. You sleep to replenish, you exercise to stay fit and healthy, you eat to fuel your body and mind and so you need to practice self-love in order to remain emotionally and mentally enriched and therefore able to give of yourself – in the right directions, obviously. This is not something which happens overnight, it is a daily practice… it needs to become a lifestyle really because I think many of us are often quite easily swayed back into the act of doing things for others before ourselves because we unconsciously place ourselves second without even realising that we are doing it. No person should ever feel like they cannot change course, change their mind or decide that they wish to explore a different direction. ![petals.jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmXhuZkzK587hzhYBynU3g367ew53gijQp3MLqnxgNexZK/petals.jpeg) > “Respect, Love, and Value yourself. Always remember to be good to yourself by taking care of yourself. Make yourself a priority and know that it’s okay. Don’t feel guilty for loving yourself, first! You’re just as important as anybody else.” ― Stephanie Lahart

Life is too short to reach the end of it and realise that you spent it all negating your own value and importance by making choices with someone else in mind rather than yourself. This is why things fail, people feel depleted, get depressed, angry or even bitter towards life and people because they feel short changed, when all they need to realise is that they are the ones short changing themselves and they are the only ones who can actually change that. There is always a choice and it is perfectly acceptable to put your own truth and happiness first. Your life will be just that – your life and your road to walk, make sure you are enjoying the steps you take.

❤❤❤ ***Until next time... Much Love from Country Bumpkinland, South Africa xxx Jaynielea*** https://linktr.ee/ferallafemme _{ALL IMAGES ARE MY PROPERTY UNLESS OTHERWISE CREDITED} _{*Typos make me human. I may or may not get around to correcting them.*} _{^{*All written content shared here is my property, unless otherwise credited*}}

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