It takes a willingness to be selfish to orient your life around your special gifts, values and talents. I think of the famous sculptor in St. Ives, Barbara Hepworth, who left her many children in the care of her sister so that she could devote her life to her art. She made sure her kids were well taken care of, but she didn’t look after them herself. Selfish yes, but if she had taken care of her own children, she no doubt would have been miserable and the children would have suffered as a result. Why did she have kids in the first place? I don’t know the answer to that, but at least she found a positive solution for her family. I’d guess if you asked her children, they would all have been glad to have been born, even if they were raised by a relative. Discuss your commitment to putting yourself first with your family, boss or others whom it will affect. Make a list of who you’d like to discuss this with. Are there commitments you’ve made that you need to unmake? Suggest or find someone who could replace you.
Homework:
Make a list in your online journal of the top ten things that you really want for yourself in the next three months. Be as selfish as you want!
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Now pick one thing from the above list to discuss with friends, colleagues and/or family members and start doing it (or not doing it as the case may be)!
Who I will discuss this with:
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Ten Minute Option:
Do the first part and write your top ten list in your online journal or as many ideas as you can come up with in ten minutes. Save the implementation for later, but make the list as it will get you thinking in the right direction!
