I once saw this quote — or at least, some variation of it — on a piece of mixed media art. It so moved me that I took a picture.

I love this post, Sam. As you probably know, this whole “me” thing is something I'm desperately trying to work on, but something that, as you well know yourself, is not so easy. When you're used to doing for others, it's hard to put the focus back on yourself, to remember that no one will take care of you like you can take care of yourself, that you are your first priority. What it comes down to is you have one job in this world: to be you. That means taking care of yourself so that you can, in fact, take care of others.

Finding that perfect balance that you describe between selfishness and selflessness is never easy. In fact, there are times where it's doubtful that the perfect balance even exists. But that's what we work towards. As you say, in the comments, it really is a process of becoming — becoming the best you you can be, the only you there is.

I love this post, Sam. I love this message and though it's a hard lesson to swallow, I know it's one that has to be learned. Thanks for this, and thanks for that beautiful quote — it's great to be reminded of it.