I love getting out of my normal routine, being away in Europe is showing up some old habits around work and life, it's helping me to slow down (esp. with all the siestas I'm having) and reflecting how other people live.

European life is much more focused on family, friends and being part of a community – which I love!

Something I see regularly, which I want to talk about is…women not stepping forward to claim time and support for themselves! Putting yourself last or everyone else's needs before you're own.

I remember when I was married and I made sure my hubby had everything he needed first. Or with friends/ family,  I used to be okay with whatever everyone else around me wanted to do, it was my easy-going, no fuss approach…basically I never chose myself and I felt unhappy and my self-worth shrunk!

How often do you invest in your business or work, buying more books, programs etc, but not investing in YOURSELF?

Or do you run out of time for yourself because you're so busy doing things for others? 

The biggest reason women come to see me, is at some point they stopped choosing themselves and they feel unhappy, lost, stuck, exhausted and have zero motivation. 

Choosing yourself is NOT selfish….and here's why…

12 Benefits Of Choosing yourself

You teach people how to treat you!

If you care for yourself, others will care for you too. If you neglect yourself, so will others…even the ones that love you. It's one of those things that's unspoken but screams so loudly that you can't hide it. 

You look better!!

Because you eat well, have an exercise routine you don't break, take time out, relax or meditate that it shows on your face, body and complexion. 

You'll step into your power

Being in your feminine power is not about ‘doing' but about receiving. That means allowing others to give to you. A powerful woman is one who can give and receive. Next time someone wants to help you (even if hubby does a bad job stacking the dishwasher)…say yes and thank you!! 

You're happier

You're not pushing your needs to the curb and making sure everyone else is happy. We all have needs, and until they are met we we can't advance ourselves. If you never have ‘time' for yourself, then you'll most likely have people pleasing traits – something we've been programmed to do since childhood. Leaving yourself deficient limits your happiness and fulfillment in life – and no one wants that for you!

You will reach your highest potential

Psychologist, Abraham Maslow, developed the hierarchy of needs, showing that until we meet our basic needs of health, safety, belongingness, love, respect, and self-esteem we can never reach our highest potential….the big reason we're here. 

You have more time:

You're not forever running around doing stuff for others, adding to your to-list. You end up pushing back and actually saying ‘no'!!! Which opens up so much space and clarity for you. There's a lot of power in saying ‘no' and reclaiming your time. When you value your own time, so will others.  Time is sacred.

When you're mentally and emotionally fried, can you really help others? Are you really listening to what's going on for them without tuning out? If you're not grounded in yourself you can't be there for someone else. This includes your family, kids (how often are you multi-tasking?), partner or staff.  

You're kinder to others

When you extend kindness to yourself others will do the same. It's a funny thing when you give to yourself, life ends up giving you more too. 

You'll have more self-worth & confidence

Taking time for you reflects back to your spirit yes I'm worth it, which boosts your self-worth and confidence. It's always there but it expands or contracts depending on your actions. 

You'll have balance and emotional stability

Spending more time attending your needs gives you awareness of yourself, you'll know yourself and when life throws you a curveball, you'll know how to handle it. Plus, you recognise when you need to pull back a bit and not get so worked up. 

You can truly help others

When you're mentally and emotionally fried, can you really help others? Are you really listening to what's going on for them without tuning out? If you're not grounded in yourself you can't be there for someone else. This includes your family, kids (how often are you multi-tasking?), partner or staff.

Impact to others around you

Because you have all of the above you're a better partner, lover, mother, sister, CEO, friend…human being! 

Better role model

For your staff, kids, friends or people you just meet. Your ability to choose yourself will radiate, and it gives other women permission to do the same. There are women that I've meet over the years that have shown me how to do this, they have been my inspiration and role models. 

So what can you do starting today to choose yourself??

Say “no” to others and ‘yes' to you? 

Ask for help or be open to receiving?

Schedule ‘me-time' and make it non-negotiable?

Hire help around the house?

Let me know in the comments below…

How To Change Career Successfully And Love What You Do!

Check out my interview with Kylie Butler from Inspired Careers….

Anyone keen to understand how you go from being bored, frustrated and overworked, and transition your career to one you love every day, that also allows you the freedom to travel, this is a “must listen”!

Listen here! Or on iTunes here