Who’s in charge
Sometimes, we may feel that external pressures dictate much of our lives. Expectations from our family, friends, and coworkers may keep us busy with activities we’d rather not engage in.
Or our sense of guilt or duty may keep us stuck in a seemingly endless round of sometimes thankless effort. In this scenario, the pressure is internal. But it may also be based on roles and assumptions we developed with input from others.
We can end up feeling that our lives aren’t our own. It may seem that our needs and desires often come last.
And while this may be appropriate in certain emergencies, it’s not a healthy way to operate ongoing. And yet, so many of us do.
When we feel like this, a reality check may be useful. We may want to ask ourselves who is in charge of our lives.
When we live for others, we may neglect our own emotional, mental, and physical needs. This can eventually lead to exhaustion on all these levels.
Spiritually, we may bankrupt ourselves too. When our own dreams, desires, and self-care don’t have much priority in our choices, we disrespect who we are. We deny our souls and our bodies what we need to flourish.
Today’s message reminds me that I’m in charge of my own life. I can certainly choose to assist others and may even enjoy doing so. But if caring for others is an ongoing drain, I need to reassess my choices. My first ongoing duty is caring for my own well-being.
Please reflect and share. How often do you put others’ needs ahead of your own?