Really Putting Yourself First
I’m the type of person to always consider other’s emotional state before my own to a point that I don’t want to inconvenience anyone even if I need to get something done from them. For example, when I’m on placement as a medical student I need to get certain tasks signed off in my portfolio by doctors which requires them to only give me 5 mins worth of time at a time. I’ve recently come to the realisation that sometimes you just need to dissociate yourself from the feelings of those around you to get things done like that. It’s a bit like tunnel vision to reach that goal.
Sometimes I find myself thinking, ‘why am I willing to bend my back so far for others, yet hesitate when it comes to my own needs?’ I understand we are living in an age where individualism can be a problem and the increasing selfish ‘me culture’, but this isn’t what I’m talking about. It’s annoying that the phrase ‘putting yourself first’ has become so commonly used that people fail to understand that it’s referring to those who are really struggling with putting themselves first to the point that they are deprived of self care. This phrase has lost its true meaning and I feel as if people are only putting themselves first at all. If you get what I mean.
I realise that the reason I get so tired after being around people as an introvert is because I have to constantly adapt myself to suit others which is a natural response but can be exhausting. If you are on the same boat and it has gotten to a point where you have realised it’s problematic, then it’s ok to put your own needs ahead of others ❤️
