Selfish people need to learn how to give a rat’s ass about other people’s needs.  If you are one of those people, and you want to learn how to give a rat’s ass about other people’s needs, then this blog entry is not for you. That’s the blog entry that tells you to quit reading and get up and go help someone.

Okay, unselfish people, listen up. For the next 30 days, every hour on the hour, stop and ask yourself, “What do I want right now?” Then, whenever possible, give yourself what you come up with. For example, if you think, “Wow, I would love a cupcake right now,” then go get yourself one. Obviously I’m not suggesting that you become a big, fat glutton. I’m just trying to help you get out of the habit of depriving yourself and into the habit of tasting what the good life has to offer. For the record, there is pleasure to be had everywhere, and it’s time you turned your attention toward finding it. That includes cupcakes and otherwise.

Next, in relationship to others, stop and ask yourself in each and every encounter with another, “Hmmmm, I know there could be something in it for them, after all, I know how to give a rat’s ass about others, but, what’s in it for me?” If you can’t answer that question for yourself, politely step away. Again, I’m not trying to turn you into a big, fat selfish person. I’m interested in having you see for yourself what would happen if you didn’t operate out of fear, guilt, obligation, or false compliance and, instead, feed your own soul.

Now I’m going to tell you a little secret. And, don’t go running around telling everyone about it. Keep this one for yourself. Here goes: No one should care more about how happy you are then you. I mean, I’m sure your mother wants you to be happy, and I’m sure you’re friends, lovers, children and extended family want you to be happy. But, they shouldn’t actually be more invested in that then you. And if they are, that is what is called, “codependency.”

For the record, well-balanced, healthy people take their own happiness very seriously. These same people may also care deeply about you, and would be very distressed if they thought you were doing anything self-destructive. But, when push comes to shove, they certainly aren’t going to want to be in a position of having to spend a lot of time worrying about your life at the expense of their own. Trust me, they honestly are not going to have a problem with you taking your own happiness seriously. If fact, they probably wish you would. If by chance you are close to people who don’t feel this way, then he or she needs to seriously get a life of their own, go to Alanon, or find a good therapist. Because, once again, that is called, “codependency.”

So, just for the next 30 days, see if can focus on yourself first and others second. If you find that it hasn’t made the quality of your life better or your soul is not grinning from ear to ear, you can go back to your old way of living after that. Why? Cause no healthy person is really going to care about that choice either. (Unless it is getting in the way of their happiness, of course.)

Wait, hold onto your hats, am I hearing someone shout a resounding “Yes!” to my suggestion? If so, know that freedom and happiness have been patiently waiting for your call, and they will be looking forward to answering it shortly.