Often times in my life, I find myself putting more importance on other people and things rather than myself. The truth is, you are important. Focusing on yourself is important. Making sure you are happy and taken care of is important. Don't believe me? Here are some reasons why:

1. Focusing on others can keep you from accomplishing your goals.

We all have goals we want to accomplish in our life, but putting others needs in front of ours all the time can most definitely impact this. Relationships with other people are important, especially for me, but there has to be balance. If you don't put yourself first at least some of the time, your goals and aspirations can get lost in the madness of life. Keep those aspirations alive. You've got this! Make them happen!

2. Being single is FUN!

My single years have been some of the best years of my life. You know why? Because you don't need to worry about anyone else. You can just do your own thing and have fun with it! So get out there and do you!

3. You can finally have the time to figure things out.

I feel very frazzled and displaced without having my time every week to sit down and figure things out. This can mean anything. For me, it's my meal prep for the week, writing my articles, completing homework, or maybe even watching my favorite TV show just to wind down. You can also use this time to pay bills or budget for the month, just so you feel a little more put together than you felt before.

4. You can keep your emotions in-check.

Emotional stability is so important. Focusing on yourself and doing something for you can greatly increase your emotional stability. This can really be anything as long as it is something that winds you down or relaxes you. Even if it's taking five minutes at work to breathe, it will help you get through the rest of the day.

5. Focusing on you actually improves your relationships with others.

It's true! The more confident and respectful you feel about yourself, the more that is going to radiate off of you onto others. Your friends and family will see this, and in turn will respond positively. It's true what they say...you have to love yourself before you can love others.

6. You will find happiness.

It may seem like a long shot to you, but I promise it works. Spending time with yourself will help you discover things you never knew. Maybe you actually enjoy reading, but you have never just read for fun so you didn't know. For me, it was writing. I take time every day I can to just write. This helps me expel my feelings and move on with my life. I find myself to be happier every day, and you can too!