Learning to Put Yourself First

We’re taking a bit of a segway here from the regular scheduled content…

As you know, I LOVE writing about my latest travel adventures and my favorite new recipes,

BUT

I want to take a little detour and start to talk about some different topics, ones that I don’t typically talk about.

I want to kick off this new “series,” of sorts with talking about a little more of a serious topic, with a fun twist. 

Welcome to…

Learning to Put Yourself First

Okay before we start, let’s squash a quick misconception.  Putting yourself first does NOT equal being selfish.  You can put yourself first and be the most caring person in the world.  Putting yourself first is about doing things for you and making decisions for you.  Doing this is so important to being the best version of yourself that you can be, and finding who you truly are.

So, how exactly do you learn how to put yourself first, and start doing things for you.  Well trust me, it’s not easy and can take time.

First things first…

Discovering your independence

Going to college is where I felt like I really found independence.  I was at a new school, with new people. I didn’t have my parents making me dinner every night and no one was asking me if I got my homework done.  I feel like when you graduate high school, no matter what you do after that, you are forced into the real world and it is time to start making your own decisions.  This can be a scary thing, but it can also be a great thing.  This is when you can really start thinking about what you want to do with your life and start making the best decisions for YOU!

Do what makes you happy

Find things that you love to do, and do more of it.  These can be little things like writing or going to your favorite coffee shop.  Maybe you love to watch football on Sundays or go on day trips with your friends.  Whatever it is that makes you happy, do it as much as you possibly can. 

It’s good to spend time alone…

Sometimes, you just need some me time, even if you are the most social person around.  Everyone needs some time by themselves to reflect and focus on themselves.  This is a great time for journaling, doing yoga or exercising, or having a dance party in your room.  Whatever it may be, make sure to take some time for you when you can, and use it to reflect and recharge. 

Being single can teach you a lot about what it important to you

Being in a relationship is great, don’t get me wrong.  But, if you aren’t in a relationship, use the time to figure out what you want and what is important to you.  Sometimes when you’re in a relationship, this can be hard to do, so if you are single right now, get ahead of the game and use the time to figure out exactly what YOU want and what is important to YOU.  Now, when someone comes along, you already know who you are and what is important to you. 

Don’t lose yourself in the noise

What I mean when I say this is there is always so much going on around us.  There’s pressure to do this, to do that.  There’s people all around you telling you what you should and shouldn’t do.  We see things online or on social media every day that can make us overthink and fill ourselves with doubt.  But, don’t lose yourself in all this noise.  Remember what we talked about before, about making decisions for you.  Remember what is important to you and focus on becoming the best version of yourself you can possibly be.

Surround yourself with people who push you to be better

I cannot express the importance of having friends that have your true best interests at heart, who are going to support you and build you up.  I have some friends like this that I have known for over 10 years, and some that I met later in my life that I feel like I have known forever.  Having friends who support you and build you up are going to help you achieve your goals and push you to get there. 

Don’t let anyone pull you away from the person who you know you can be.  And remember, as important as it is to help and care for others, make sure you are taking care of yourself too!  Find yourself and be proud of the person who you have become, because you’re going to do amazing things.

I am so thankful for you all.

Until next week!

Signed,

Ashlyn

p.s I have a blog coming next week that I am so excited about and I think you are going to love it too! Here’s a sneak peak…Tinder is involved.