Putting everyone else first

Sometimes our attention is so focused on other people that we barely notice what is happening for ourselves. We think about what others need, how they are feeling and what we can do to help. We might put aside our own needs because someone else seems to need us more.

I’m curious about what happens when we give so much attention to others that we lose sight of ourselves.

When others come first

Putting others first can become a familiar part of everyday life. We might automatically say yes, put off our own plans or notice when someone else needs a break before recognising that we need one too.

Without really noticing, we can become more familiar with what others need than with what is happening for ourselves.

Noticing ourselves too

Giving attention to ourselves doesn't mean caring less about others. We might notice that we are tired, recognise that we need some time or acknowledge something we have been putting aside.

We don't have to act on everything we notice. We can simply give ourselves the same attention we so readily offer others.

Where does our attention go?

We cannot give our attention to everything at once. Perhaps caring for others doesn't have to mean forgetting ourselves.

I wonder what you might notice the next time you find yourself putting everyone else first, and what might happen if you included yourself in that care.