I forgot about “I’m the third!” But like you, it was definitely embedded in my psyche 🤪. It’s taken a while to learn to put my needs and well-being first, at least some of the time, and it actually makes me so much more healthy (and loving) than I was when I was putting myself third.
I recently tried to explain to someone that I was taught at a very young age in church to think of JOY - (J) Jesus first, (O) others next, and only then (Y) yourself. And the idea that prioritizing myself was not only wrong but somehow dangerous (sinning!!) stayed with me for years.
I forgot about “I’m the third!” But like you, it was definitely embedded in my psyche 🤪. It’s taken a while to learn to put my needs and well-being first, at least some of the time, and it actually makes me so much more healthy (and loving) than I was when I was putting myself third.
Yes! I STILL come up against this at times, because this narrative is so pervasive, particularly for women. I'm proud of you for showing up for you :)
I recently tried to explain to someone that I was taught at a very young age in church to think of JOY - (J) Jesus first, (O) others next, and only then (Y) yourself. And the idea that prioritizing myself was not only wrong but somehow dangerous (sinning!!) stayed with me for years.
Dear God. Literally! But yes, I remember learning this as well 🫠🫠🫠