I want you to think back. Way back. Do you remember the child you were? What were you like? Were you curious? Were you intrigued and excited by our big, beautiful world. Did you laugh and play? What were your friends like?? Did you have dreams? Were you loved? Did you know you were born a masterpiece? There’s not another single soul on this planet who’s your exact replica. Did you believe anything was possible?
Now reflect on your life today. Does the planet you live on still fill you with wonder and awe? Do you spend time with your friends? Are you laughing? Are you loved? Have you fulfilled all your hopes and dreams? Do you still believe anything is possible?
We’ve all fallen down along the pathway of life. Some of us, more than others. We can grow weary and get comfortable with staying down. It becomes a habit, like biting your fingernails. Truthfully our life’s experiences weren’t meant to define us, but to teach us. It’s easy to get wrapped up in our loved ones lives and their struggles. But we weren’t born into their bodies, we were born into ours. We can grow so vigilante tuning in to others, that we tune out, self. Caring for others is healthy, being consumed in their struggles, is not. If you’ve crossed the line, step back for a moment. Reconnect with you. What do you want? What do you need? You weren’t born to be miserable. You’ve learned it and you can unlearn it. Do something nice for YOU today. Buy yourself flowers. Go for a walk. Get a massage. Listen to music. Have a ME day. It’s easy to lose oneself in another’s addiction. You throw everything you have into saving them. But are you throwing out the life ring and then drowning from exhaustion? You’re responsible for your children for the first 18 to 21 years. You do the best you can for them, with what you know. But there’s another whose happiness you’re responsible for – for life. Go look in the mirror. Meet your eyes and make a commitment. It might be hard to look. Do it any ways. You’ll see pain and loneliness when you do. This pain is YOURS. It doesn’t belong to anyone else. You and you alone, are responsible for overcoming it.
The most important relationship you’ll ever have isn’t with your children or spouse, it’s with you. If you’re not happy, don’t try and help someone else. Yes, someone you love may be drowning, but so are you! Two exhausted swimmers can equal two dead bodies. You’ll have a far better outcome if you involve life guards. A happy healthy life starts with YOU. You must find balance in ALL things. You can’t give away, what you don’t have. You have a much better chance of staying afloat with help. Make your life ring a new support group. And start swimming. Land is closer than you might think.