As the year starts to come to an end, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting – about both this past year, and the one that’s to come as well. This definitely wasn’t one of the worst years, but it also hasn’t been the best.

I’ve been thinking about this for a long time and wasn’t sure if I wanted to share this post here or not, since I mostly share my fashion and beauty ventures on the blog. After a lot of thought, though, I decided that it’s important to put this out there, because at the end of the day, our own happiness matters.

Awhile ago, I talked about the beginnings of my blogging journey and how all of this started as an escape from the pressure I felt to live up to everyone’s expectations. Through this, as well as some of the personal things that I’ve been through this year, I’ve come to a scary realization – I’ve been living for so long with only other people’s happiness in mind, even when I myself was unsatisfied, tortured, and unhappy.

By nature, I am compassionate and considerate, and I never hesitate to put other people before me. I am proud of these qualities, but I’ve realized this past year that not everyone has your best interests at heart, and other people will always look out for themselves first.

If I’m always bending over backwards to make others happy, to be considerate of other people’s feelings, but they are only being considerate of themselves, who’s putting me first? Who’s caring about my happiness?

I learned this the hard way this year, and a series of events and disappointments have led me to one conclusion – I need to put my happiness first. I need to learn to live for myself.

Yes, many will disappoint you with their inconsiderate actions, and out of those, a handful will even hurt you with their selfishness, only putting their wants and feelings first. And that’s why you have to put yourself first too.

Yes, it’s important to be kind, but don’t be kind to the point that you’re being unkind to yourself. It’s good to always be the one that’s offering extra help, support, and flexibility. But don’t do it at the expense of our own happiness.

And always remember, there is nothing wrong with putting yourself first; it doesn’t make you selfish, I’ve realized. In fact, I think it makes you strong.

It’s important to remember that you only have one life, so you have to live it for yourself; otherwise, you’ll be miserable for the rest of your life. Your happiness matters and what you want matters. Never forget that.

Stay in touch!
Instagram || Bloglovin’ || Facebook || Twitter