Wednesday, October 1, 2025
In a recent conversation with a friend, he was talking about a job prospect that would have required him to give up his morning routine. He had come to enjoy it – coffee on the deck, reading the headlines, and having “me time.” He wasn’t thrilled about giving that up.
How often do we give up “me time” in pursuit of something that makes us conform, give up our simple joys, and betray our innocent desires? Somebody’s desire will be served in each situation. Either it’s “me time” or “you time.”
Selfishness is taking away your joyful desire and depriving yourself for what others want from you. You must lay down the law and not violate the law. No-one violates my laws, not even me. I’m not available. I’m booked for “me time.” If that includes you, we both win. But I am the creator and protector of my own law.
What are you giving up? Why erase your lawful boundaries so others can serve themselves a helping of their own self desire – at your expense? My friend also lamented that the job wasn’t looking for “him,” but for a version of him that he didn’t like. He had to betray himself. He had to join them and deny himself his precious “me time.” That would only make him bitter, first thing upon arriving in the morning.
Boundary-building is knowing when you’re at your best. Gently giving way to your own joy. The beauty of getting older is protecting what you love, yourself. Life is too short to be violated, and to have the equation imbalanced. Who needs who more? No one will protect your “me time.” They’ll violate the law if you allow them. Selfishness is conforming to “you time,” neglecting “me time.” In my life, it’s always “me time.” Then, I can give you the best version of “me” at all times.