Episode 5 - Go Ahead, Be Selfish.

Because "selfish" is such a loaded term, I often get a strong reaction when I say that it is okay to be selfish.

Please, don't get me wrong, I think compassion is wonderful and a life of service is admirable. My point is that being "selfish" is something you can't escape, so you might as well get used to it. Take the judgment out of the word and place it on the outcome.

If you examine why you choose to engage in an "altruistic" act rather than a obviously "selfish" one, you will find that you are choosing it because the alternative is not tolerable. This is not a judgment about you, it is the nature of choice.

Even if it hurts us, we will opt for the choice that we can live with because we can't live with the other ( THis applies to all choices. In non-life and death situations, we choose what either pleases us more or hurts less.)

My point is that whatever you choose to do has an element of selfishness or self-interest to it. That is neither good nor bad. What is bad is when your selfishness hurts others. What can also be bad is when your selfishness hurts you.

With all of that in mind, I encourage you to put yourself first when engaging in the Conscious Life-Design. Not because you should be greedy or un-empathetic but because when you are trying to to design and execute your ideal life, you must put yourself first when you are figuring out what you want. If that means designing a life of service, that's great!

I just want you to consider your motivations and do what is right for you. I want you to give yourself permission to come first sometimes. I also want you to consider the consequences for others. As long as it is not at the expense of someone else, do what works for you and be yourself.