Selfishness – Self-centered or Lifesaving?

Over the last 3 weeks I’ve been running around like a mad woman, mostly because I said yes to requests from lots of people in my life.  It’s not a new thing for me, I’m prone to taking on more than I should a trait I inherited from my dad & coupled with perfectionism (also from Dad) it means I often burn the candle at both ends for the benefit of others.

In a moment of clarity I posted a status update on facebook “…. Is discovering the hard way I can’t be all things to all people”  amongst the multitude of supportive replies and cries of “FINALLY” from friends and family, one struck me “You really do need to be more selfish…..Can you do that for me?”  To which my immediate thought was – no way I can’t be that self-centered.

The next day I was out for a burn on my beloved Hannah (My Purple Harley). 

When a car pulled out in front of me, I was reminded of the best piece of advice I was given about riding “Ride with the expectation that every driver on the road, whether they know it or not, is trying to kill you.”

I live by this advice when I ride, and it has saved my skin more than once.  But in order to ride like this I have to put myself first, I have to be selfish, it’s not about being self-centered, it’s about saving my life so that I can continue my journey and arrive safely at my destination.

So why when I’m off the bike do I not apply the same principal?

·         If I’m selfish and take the time out to go to my gym class, that means my health is being looked after & I can perform better “at work”

·         If I’m selfish and take the time to get a pedicure that means my brain gets some time to turn off & I’ll think more clearly when it get’s turned back on

What happens if I’m not selfish?  I end up burnt out, with the flu or having a bike accident and then I’m completely useless to the people around me!!

So this week join me & flip your mindset

Enjoy the ride

PJ

Being thankful for Roadside Assistance

Do you have roadside assist or NRMA membership for your car or bike?  You know those helpful people who come & save you when you break down on the side of the road.  Or are you the kind of person who pulls over and offers a hand to those on the side of the road with the subconscious hope that one day when you’re on the side of the road a Good Samaritan will help you?

This week I found myself at the funeral of a friend and mentor who at 46 was taken from the earth far too soon.  Tracey was an AMAZING woman who came into my life under the radar.  We weren’t the sort of friends who caught up for lunch every week or even the sort who remembered each other’s birthdays, However just like the guy from the NRMA she always appeared in my life exactly when I needed her.  And true to form, her funeral was no exception

During the funeral, guests were invited to the microphone to say a few words or share a story.  Whilst I sat listening to others speak, I had absolutely no intention of getting up.  But all of a sudden I found myself standing in front of the mic, after a few lines to explain how I knew her, I expressed that Tracey had been and still was an amazing mentor and I felt the need to say “Thanks Mate”

Afterwards I got to thinking about all the roadside assistance I have received in my life, but even more importantly it got me thinking about how I acknowledge those people who have given their time and stopped to offer a hand.

·         Have you said thanks to your mentor lately? Or have you just dumped your problem on them and run away after they help you solve it?

·         Have you said thanks to the slow driver who makes your hour long journey 2 minutes longer, but inadvertently helps you avoid a road accident of your own?

·         Have you acknowledged that your incredible husband was instrumental in making your dream come true because he actually brought you a Purple Heritage Softail for your 30^th birthday?

Your task this fortnight, think about those people who have helped you get where you are today, but most importantly, take the time to say thank you.

Enjoy the ride, PJ