Balance. Difficult to maintain, especially for “people pleasers” and compassionate ones. We tend to put others first so much so, that over time (sometimes quickly), our own needs fall lower and lower on the priority list, sometimes to the point of not being on that list at all. This is sad. I know because this is me – has been for what feels like forever – at least more than a decade or two. Heck, truth be told, pretty much all of my life. But that’s a story for another day.
When you start to put yourself back on the priority list, people around you get their feathers ruffled. They get their panties in a twist. Why? Because your behaviors change when you add yourself to the priority list. No longer are you the “yes man” or “yes woman” to everything and everyone. They actually hear the word, “no” and they don’t know how to maneuver it. That speaks more about them and not necessarily you.
Remember tho, you did set it up this way; let’s be clear. You teach people how to treat you. If you are always putting your needs aside, then others learn that this is what they get when they come to you and they start putting your needs aside as well. So, stop it. Maybe not completely at first; that would be painful for all and you can’t just stop your life, especially if you have children and/or a spouse. But you can make limitations on your time, making room within the day for fulfilling your own needs here & there.
Put yourself back ON the priority list.
PEACE
Pamtastic
