As a young child one of the first things we hear is “be responsible.”  Be responsible and pick up your toys - Be responsible and watch your little sister. Be responsible and do your homework. Be responsible and make your lunch. In essence :  LIVE RESPONSIBLY. 

 Each person interprets that phrase a little differently. During a recent session, one of my very astute and introspective clients pointed out that living healthfully was not only important for her, it was her responsibility.   After all, so many others are counting on her.  WOW!  Now that’s a thought that turns the lights on!  When you go for a walk, go to yoga, go for a swim, or take the stairs, you’re living responsibly.  When you regularly choose foods that are not laden with empty calories, processed sugars, and saturated fat, you are being responsible.  If you do not drink excessively or smoke…. I could go one and on!  In essence, if you choose a lifestyle that lengthens your life and increases your viability, your energy level, and your mood, you are being responsible not only to yourself but to the countless others who rely on you.  

Each of us understands the importance of living responsibly. We live that way and we expect others to do the same. Now, we take our responsible living one step further to include our personal wellness. Our actions and the actions of others are interconnected and thus create a ripple effect.  When we make healthful choices, we are more likely to greet each day with energy, positivity, (I like that word, even if it isn’t a word!) and optimism.  It has been scientifically proven that energy begets more energy, positivity begets more positivity, and optimism begets more optimism. When we live well, we become more available physically, mentally and emotionally and live up to our personal responsibilities to our work, families, friends and community.  Be well.

Be a little selfish.  That’s right, you heard me—be a little selfish!  The definition of “selfish” is pretty ugly:  concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself, arising from concern with one’s own welfare or advantage in disregard of others.  No wonder we would never want to be described as “selfish!”   As a matter of fact, most of us spend our lives convincing others  (and especially ourselves) that we are anything but “selfish.”  So why am I telling you to “be a little selfish?”  What if I told you that being selfish is sometimes the least selfish thing that you can do?

 Many of us torn between home, work, children, spouses, friends, volunteer work, etc., find ourselves literally wiped out.  While we go through the motions of many roles and responsibilities, we find ourselves depleted  and unable to appreciate the significance of the moments or the people that we encounter each day.  By taking the time to ask ourselves, “what do I need?” we are actually benefiting more than merely ourselves.  By discovering, recognizing, and understanding what is best for ourselves we create the energy, patience, and emotional availability to be there for others.

 Take a moment to consider what is missing from your daily life—a few quiet moments each morning or evening, an afternoon walk, bike ride, or workout, an evening with friends or time to read a book that has been sitting on your nightstand. What gives you energy, peace, pride, or satisfaction?

 Set time aside each day to be a little selfish.  Renewed energy and focus will be the byproduct, creating a path to open communication, more patience, a higher level of creativity, increased productivity, and a more positive attitude.  This renewal is personal but it has widespread implications as you embrace the moments and the people around you.  Who can call that “selfish?”   Be well.