Create traditions for yourself. Not including anyone else, just for you. Viewing personal time, being kind to yourself and giving yourself gifts as a non-negotiable transaction builds mental barriers against overcommitting to others. It helps you feel important (because you are). It helps you feel cared for and loved (because you deserve it). You have to do it, it's a tradition! You have to do something nice for yourself, it's a tradition!
Summer only starts when I eat a specific ice-cream sandwich. The second I take the first bite, the world will start summer.
Every valentines day I buy myself an eyeshadow pallet. I collect eyeshadow pallets, I love them. I'm my own valentine.
I have to feel proud and tell people that I'm good at bowling if they ask about my favorite sport. I never practiced, I was just born with an inhuman abilities in bowling. And I have to be proud, but not brag, if someone asks.
I have to do drag/clown makeup if I had a nightmare. I love doing it and my nightmares are very scary and vivid. I have to take care of myself and take time to calm down and do something fun.
I have to buy myself a CD if I have some extra money. I love CD's and if I can afford it, it's okay to give myself a gift for doing well and keeping my head up.
These are just some of my traditions. And it really helps. It's okay to create events and traditions only for yourself. You can have traditions for your family and friends too. But create some for yourself, it really makes a difference. You deserve your attention, love, care, and pride. You're amazing, beautiful and a gift to the world. And don't you dare forget that!