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