It's for your own well-being. 

There's just times when you have to say, 'No, I can't do that today, I've already made plans.'

It's always nice to keep those grandkids or be able to run errands for this person or that. Just plain helping someone out. But, don't you find that sometimes you're doing and going for everybody but yourself? I don't believe everyone (or at least most) intentionally are trying to take advantage of you, it's just that you are always THERE to do for others and you seem to make it easy for them to ask, (you know the sound, 'Mom, I've got to go shopping, can you keep the kids for a few hours, Mom, going away for the week-end, can you keep the kids (etc.!)? or 'Mrs. ???, I've got a lot of errands to run today, would you mind so much taking me in your car? How about, 'We need a volunteer to handle the church bake sale, will you do it?') I could go on and on, but I think you get what I'm talking about!

So, try to set aside a little time just for yourself! Even if it's an hour or two a couple of times a week. (a whole day would be even better) Have lunch with the girls, go shopping by yourself, have your hair and nails done, try reading a book! Join a bowling league, play golf or tennis. Maybe even take some classes of some kind, art maybe, writing, cooking? The list is endless of the things you can come up with! Isn't that what these 'Empty Nest' years are suppose to be about? Having more time to do the things you've been wanting to do? 

If you have a spouse, take some short week-ends just for the two of you! Get to know each other again, (get to know yourself again!) just have some fun with each other. The rest of the world can manage to get along without you for a little while.

Now, the next time you've just made special plans of your own and someone calls to ask you to do something for them, (with the exception of a REAL emergency!) don't feel guilty about telling them that you already have plans! 

Remember, it's for your own well-being! Everyone needs a little private time now and then. It helps keep you sane!

So, it's ok, to be selfish once in a while!