There is always a better, more convenient, or more realistic time to do something. It’s easy to say, “I’ll start taking care of myself when the kids go back to school.” or “I’ll go on the vacation I’ve been putting off (for years) once my busy season is over.” But even when you wait for the “perfect” time, there will always be some other responsibility that fills the void, whether you can project it now or not.

So don’t wait!

If you have a million things on your to-do list and only a few of those items checked, this tip is for you:

Put yourself first—always. When you value yourself, you become an example for those you love.

Try this experiment:

Search through your photo albums for three photos of yourself from 10, 20, and 30 years ago. If you’re able to go further back, even better. Lay the photos next to each other. Look closely at your smile. How does it differ in each of the photos? How has your face changed?

Jump back in time and try to relive the exact moment each photo was taken. What do you recall feeling? How many things have you overcome? What concerns or worries did you experience then that still exist now? Which of those concerns and worries are valid enough to carry on for another 10 years. Think about that—we are made up of the things we carry. Is it time to let some of them go?

Nothing is more important than your health and happiness. Let go of what no longer fuels you. You come first.