"Si no soy para mí, ¿quién será para mí? Si soy solo para mí, ¿qué soy? Si no es ahora, ¿cuándo?"

Taking care of yourself and being true to your values is crucial because if you don’t advocate for yourself, who will? But it’s not enough to be solely self-focused; you’ve got to think about others too. And waiting for the “right” moment can be an endless game—sometimes you just need to dive in.

This quote touches on the idea of self-advocacy balanced with social responsibility and the urgency of action. It’s attributed to Hillel the Elder, a Jewish religious leader who lived around the first century BCE. Hillel’s wisdom was a guiding light for his community, emphasizing the importance of both self-care and altruism.

Let’s bring this to life with a real-world example. Think about Rosa Parks, the civil rights icon. She knew she had to stand up for herself. One day, she decided she wouldn’t give up her seat on a segregated bus. She understood that she had to stand her ground, not just for herself, but for an entire community suffering from racial injustice. Her action wasn’t just about her own dignity; it was about a larger cause. And she didn’t wait—she acted then and there, sparking a movement.

So, how can you apply this to your life? First, recognize the importance of self-care. It’s not selfish to look out for yourself; it’s necessary. If you’re not in your corner, who will be? But don’t stop there. Use your strengths to lift others up too. It’s a balancing act—looking after yourself while contributing to the well-being of those around you.

And don’t wait for the perfect moment to start something important. Whether it’s pursuing a dream, standing up for someone else, or making a needed change in your life, just go for it. The “right” time might never come.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop with a friend who’s stuck in a job they hate. They dream of starting their own business but keep waiting for the “perfect” moment—when they’ve saved enough money, when the market is just right, when they feel more confident. You’d probably tell them, “Look, if you don’t believe in yourself and take that step, no one else will. But if you’re only doing this for yourself, is it really the right move? Think about how your business could help others. And seriously, if not now, when? There’s never going to be a perfect time.” That’s the essence of this quote.

Breaking it down further, let’s say you’re passionate about environmental issues but feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem. Start small. Advocate for yourself by adopting eco-friendly habits that improve your life—like reducing waste or using less plastic. Then, extend that effort outward. Join a community clean-up event or educate others on sustainable living. Don’t wait for the “right” time to start. The planet needs you now.

In summary, these three questions—self-advocacy, social responsibility, and timely action—are a guide for living a balanced, proactive life. They remind us to care for ourselves, to use our strengths for the greater good, and to act without delay. Think of it as a recipe for making a meaningful impact, both on your own life and the world around you. So, next time you’re pondering a big decision or feeling stuck, remember Hillel’s wisdom—be for yourself, but not just for yourself, and don’t wait to act.