Be SelfishThe Optimist Creed
by Laura Interval
How much of your time do you spend on yourself? More specifically, are you giving yourself the time and attention it takes to create the life you want? It can be difficult to find the space and time to focus on yourself. I often hear people say that they just have “too much to do”. Their typical days are spent getting through a workday and taking care of other people. They put off what they were meaning to do for themselves, until their “spare time”… which is two hours next Friday, maybe. No wonder most people feel they are not living up to their potential. If you’re feeling this way, if you’re longing for change but are “too busy” to be the one to initiate it, it’s time to get selfish. That’s right. SELFISH. I’m amazed at how many people think that’s a bad word. I’m not saying neglect those around you. I’m not saying take everything you’ve got and lock it up tight. What I’m saying is start paying more attention to yourself. Start giving yourself some of your focus and time. A lot of us have high expectations of our lives and ourselves. Well, guess what? You have to put in some TIME if you want results. Do you take two piano lessons and expect to play like Liberace? No. Then, why do you expect to get everything that you want after two meditation sessions? It takes determination, discipline and time. I got an email from a woman who said she had practiced the Law of Attraction faithfully for the past four months and still hadn’t gotten what she wanted. She is now skeptical and looking to try something new . . . did I have any suggestions? I get it. I want that quick fix, too. Unfortunately, just because I went to the gym six weeks ago doesn’t mean I’m still fit today. I have to continue right? It’s a process and depends on you being consistent and committed. Such is personal development and getting what you want in life. You must make it priority, you must give yourself the time and you must make it habit. If “selfish” makes you feel bad or guilty . . . then it’s time to get over the negative connotation. The quality of your life depends on it. Make a commitment to yourself for your well being. If you put in the time, you will get the results. I was reminded of the “Optimist Creed” this morning. What I love about this belief system is that it begins as a promise to yourself . . . and continues to be all about you. Every statement is what you are going to do for yourself. And as a result of this positive action, of taking care of yourself . . . you will make the world a better place. This is the optimist point of view that begins with you. This is the beauty of being “selfish”.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble. (written in1912 by New Thought Leader Christian D. Larson)
The minimal time it requires is the time it takes for you to focus and read it. But just because you read it today doesn’t mean you’ll do it tomorrow. Make the commitment to make it a part of your day everyday. And if you feel selfish taking time for yourself, let it remind you that the best you can do for you is the best you can do for the world around you. So, be selfish . . . please.
“Be the change you want to see in the world” – Gandhi
related articles:Are You Letting Yourself Go?
|
