In the last week, I have been working with many individuals so that they may begin to focus on themselves, without feeling like they are being selfish in doing so! We are told continuously in life to put other people and their needs before our own. This thinking has resulted in the majority of people feeling guilty about pursuing their own goals, dreams and desires.

In fact, the key to my success has been thinking first about other people’s needs and serving them before myself. And whilst this is a wonderful strategy that ultimately produces a happy and peaceful life, it can easily backfire if you don’t have balance!

If you are continually in a state of brokenness, heartache and resentment, how are you helping those around you? We may be working out of desire to put our friends and family before ourselves, but if we are continually running on empty, what have we got left to offer?

And if a situation requires more of us than we have to give, what quality gift are we really giving? If it was your best friend’s birthday, would you go out and buy them soiled clothing as a gift? No. To truly show your appreciation for them you would want to give them the very best quality.

So why then do we let ourselves run on empty out of a sense of duty to others and allow ourselves to present a low quality self to our loved ones? Are we not putting ourselves in a position of potentially doing more harm than good?

‘As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fears, our presence automatically releases other’

Nelson Mandela said in his inaugural speech:

“Following our dreams and becoming truly happy and successful is our greatest gift to other people. As we let our lives shine, we allow other people to feel inspired and step up and do the same.”

If you are not following your dreams out of some sense of duty to other people, ask yourself: “What quality gift am I really giving today?” Imagine how those around you would be truly blessed if you were a happy, fulfilled, well-rounded individual with a wealth of energy to support care and love?

Surely your greatest gift to others is a healthy you!