Self-serve

Self.

What a strange looking little word when it stands on its own. We so often pair it up: self-inflicted, selfless, selfie…

More often than not, the expression surrounding the word self also denotes a negative connotation: to be focused on one’s self is to be, well… selfish.

But the self is our home base. And it must be able to stand alone and withstand not only the daily grind, but also have the wherewithal to weather the storm.

So, in fact selfishness is a means of self-preservation.

It’s about being recentering.

We can be pulled in so many directions, by so many people, for so many reasons that we can lose ourselves, making us feel sad, angry and frustrated.

The remedy is obvious: selfishness.

It’s fine to say: not today.

It’s quite alright to bow out early or opt out altogether.

It’s more than appropriate to say you can’t…even when technically you can.

It’s acceptable to prioritise your needs.

It’s even OK to say no.

While these boundaries may seem simple on the surface, the putting into practice is often easier said than done. Society’s norms and social constructs often create a certain sense of obligation, therefore making the limits we set to be perceived as unapologetically apathetic.

Sorry – not sorry.

It is time to correct the narrative and remove the negative spin we have on our SELF. The self is the core of our being and needs to be the foundation for all we do – especially for others. Basic physics – if the base isn’t solid, the structure won’t hold and everything will eventually crumble.

Selfishness should not be an indulgence or a fleeting indiscretion – to perceive it as such, pays heed to the cynicism. To accord importance to thy SELF is not purely an act of self-interest. In effect, it is providing the backdrop for a better, more connected self to enter stage left.

And the show goes on.

R. (2.0)