When is it "OK" to put yourself first?
When is it "acceptable" to quench your own thirst?
Between what we & others want, why must we choose?
Does following your heart mean that at some point you lose?

Few people get it, yes, few understand...
that owning your own life, puts your life in your hands.
It's not selfish to do so, at least not as they see it.
and if they don't care to try understand, then so be it.

For, how can you Love both completely and true?
If you don't love yourself first? if you don't Love being You?
How can you feel joy and share it with all?
if your own inner happiness is chained to the wall?

We're taught to put others first, to be altruistic
and that somehow you'll be blessed by something divine or mystic
But giving to receive, isn't really true giving...
and Living without joy, isn't really true living...

The truth is that, whether we like it or not.
This life, this very moment, is all that we've got.
YOU are that special ingredient, YOU are the linchpin.
All your Love & pain, your Joy & sorrow are born from within.

It's YOU you wake up with, you alone in your head
It's YOU alone who tucks your mind into bed.
It's for YOU to discover your own sense of worth,
Despite what's been programmed into you from birth.

So, choose wisely my friend and know that whatever you do
some will despise you and some will support you.
But if, to your true self, you decide to stay true,
Then with confidence you can say
"I did the best I could do"