Advice for life

Here's something we should teach everyone from childhood, and I wish someone had told me when I was young.

Take care of yourself. Seriously, just do it. Put yourself first. Fulfill your needs. Do what makes you happy, gives you satisfaction, or gives you peace. Make time for yourself, time for whatever you desire.

Claim a section of your home that is yours, and yours alone. Have things which are not shared with anyone else. Go places and do things by yourself, and have fun.

Say no. Really, just say no, or "no, thanks" to all of the things which take your time, energy, or money, unless they're things that you truly wish to do. Don't feel guilty about it. In fact, stop feeling guilty. Don't do things because someone else says you should, or because of what others might think. Do things because you've thought it over, and have decided that it is in your best interests.

Live your life, be happy, enjoy, make terrific memories. Live your life on your terms. Find the things you love, whether it's a career, hobby, travel, learning, etc., and do it. Life is short. There's so much to see, and learn, and do. Someday, you will be too old, too tired, too infirm. Live with great memories, not regrets.

Don't spend your life miserable and unhappy. There's no reason to. Now, if being a miserable cow makes you happy, feel free to be that way, and wallow in it.

This isn't selfish, although others who want you to put their needs first will tell you that it is. Let them stand on their own two feet, support themselves, and accept responsibility for their own actions and behavior.

Note, I'm not talking about taking care of children or babies. Of course they're the priority. However, you can't fill a glass from an empty pitcher. That's why putting yourself first is so important. But do remember that they have another parent or a relative who can take over and give you a break.

You have one life on this amazing planet. Go enjoy it.