Is That For Me? Why, Thank You!

New Thing #3: I'm going to do more for me.  I have a job where I'm constantly doing things for others and sacrificing my time, and the remainder of my time and energy goes to my family and friends - leaving very little for me (here's a chance to refer to New Thing #2!).

I go into a store, and instead of buying something that I would like to have, no matter how small, I manage to talk myself out of it on the premise that my family needs something else more that I could be spending that money on  - including my alleged "mad money" in my own checking account for that very purpose.  Instead of treating myself to a mani-pedi, a new shirt, or cute shoes, I pay a bill or buy someone else something they need with it.  Then I resent it later and get mad at the wrong people for "making" me neglect myself.  Now, not all of this is on me, because if I try to take time for myself, then others around me get resentful and feel ignored (also going back to New Thing #2 - you get used to someone always paying all their attention to youand doing everything, when they stop it's a bit uncomfortable...so maybe its still all on me.)  :-)

Regardless, I have figured out that, in order for me to be good for others, I need to be good for me.  And in order to be good for me, I have to be nicer to me.  So, that means more pretty fingers and toes, more naps, more quiet time, less nagging/begging/repeating (those who don't listen or do just have to deal with the consequences on their own,) and more little gifts to me.  I can't do all this other stuff for everyone and still be happy, healthy and sane.  And I don't have to break the bank to do it either - it doesn't have to be about "bought" things...

So, change #3 - more things for the benefit of "Me."  Sounds selfish, but sometimes it's necessary (especially when no one else will do it for you.)