Sometimes you just need to put yourself first. Just like in an airplane, when the parent needs to put their air mask on first, before helping the child in emergencies. And then, there are those instances where you have to chose you and stick to your values. Especially when people in power abuse the power given to them. I realize not everyone is as fortunate to fight the good fight, so they keep quiet and stick to the status quo. That's why it's even more important for those, who have the luxury and have nothing to lose, to let their voices be heard. It doesn't even have to be guns blazing, but with tact, politics, art you could go a long way.
I realize this more and more everyday. People and situations will disappoint you and will (try to) put you down, or (try to) force you into situations you aren't comfortable with. But when it comes to your health and/or your values it's very important that you decide to chose you, because at the end of the day you need to be able to look at yourself in the mirror and be proud of the person looking back at you. And this is exactly why I chose this picture, where I'm wearing my cousin's spectacles, because it perfectly captures one of those moments where I didn't give a damn about what anyone else thought and was just being true to my goofy self who doesn't even need glasses 🙃.
You are accountable for you and if not you then who? Just like the song True to myself sung by Ziggy Marley states, is that you "Got to be true to myself", even if people will "Call me selfish if you will my life I alone can live,..."
Even I have recently made the decision to chose me, how hard or painful it may have been. It's hard to say goodbye and leave, but it's even more gratifying to know that I have left a situation that wasn't doing me any good, but tear away my (mental) health and that I stayed true to being me. I know I will be alright.
So believe in yourself, stick to your values and have faith that you will be alright. “If you prioritize yourself, you are going to save yourself.”
– Gabrielle Union