Is there a difference between being selfish and self-ish? I think so. The renowned spiritual teacher Caroline Myss (pronounced "mace") says that "selfishness" is being just focused on you - totally narcissistic. Being "self-ish" on the other hand, is being able to set good boundaries, focusing on your self-care and yet not making your life a selfish life.
I remember, not that long ago, when I was at a very low time in my life, I finally made the decision to focus on me. To try to heal me and make me whole. I had lost myself and I didn't know who I was anymore. Where the hell had Mike gone! You see, like many of you, I was so used to doing everything for everyone at home, at work and at play. I was the "go-to" guy for a lot of people. I was organized, knew what I was doing and looked so confident doing it. How does that saying go, "If you need something done, give it to a busy person."
Now I couldn't help a flea. I needed to find me. Rebuild myself from the ground up. "But wouldn't that be selfish of me?" I asked myself. No! When the Flight Attendant on the airliner demonstrates the use of the oxygen mask, they say "Put the mask on yourself FIRST, then help others". I had to work on me. If I didn't help myself, I would be no good for anyone else. And that is the choice you must make as well. If you don't take care of yourself, who will? If your like me, by the time someone notices you need help you will be bent, broken and down and out. Too many people rely on you to not take care of yourself.
A "self-ish" person fills themselves up so they can serve others in greater and greater ways. It means being in your power. Being fully yourself.
Please feel free to comment and take what resonates with you and leave the rest.
As always, remember, "You're the one."
I remember, not that long ago, when I was at a very low time in my life, I finally made the decision to focus on me. To try to heal me and make me whole. I had lost myself and I didn't know who I was anymore. Where the hell had Mike gone! You see, like many of you, I was so used to doing everything for everyone at home, at work and at play. I was the "go-to" guy for a lot of people. I was organized, knew what I was doing and looked so confident doing it. How does that saying go, "If you need something done, give it to a busy person."
Now I couldn't help a flea. I needed to find me. Rebuild myself from the ground up. "But wouldn't that be selfish of me?" I asked myself. No! When the Flight Attendant on the airliner demonstrates the use of the oxygen mask, they say "Put the mask on yourself FIRST, then help others". I had to work on me. If I didn't help myself, I would be no good for anyone else. And that is the choice you must make as well. If you don't take care of yourself, who will? If your like me, by the time someone notices you need help you will be bent, broken and down and out. Too many people rely on you to not take care of yourself.
A "self-ish" person fills themselves up so they can serve others in greater and greater ways. It means being in your power. Being fully yourself.
Please feel free to comment and take what resonates with you and leave the rest.
As always, remember, "You're the one."
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