And then there are still some "obligations" from before. Like taking care of family. Spending time with your friends. (Any of those whose negative outlooks aren't trying to bring you down.) Spending time with God is another good example. Note the quotes above. Because none of these should really feel like something you have to do, but rather what you want to do.
On top of all that, there are the many tiny little "favors" that people want you to do. Errands for others... Projects at work that isn't really in your job description. Especially the "optional ones". You know, the things that keep you from doing what you should be doing. They seem so small in the beginning, but invariably, they add up to a serious drain on your time.
If you keep doing these things for people, they'll keep heaping more on you. So. At some point, you need to sit down and see what's important to you and what you want to do. Because deep down, you definitely don't want to be everyone's door mat. Once you know what you're willing to do, you're welcome to continue them. The others, you say no to.
The people who've used you up to this point won't like it. After all, they'll have to do the things they never felt like themselves. Which is truly so sad for them. They'll probably put up some resistance, but stay strong.
The time you'll win to do things you love will make it all worth while.
Prayer
Lord,
I feel like I'm drowning in little odd favors and demands that people put on me. I know that the only way out is to prioritize and cut back on things that aren't worthwhile. Please help me to see what I should stop doing and give me the strength to say "no".
I pray this in Jesus's name.
Amen.
6 comments:
My prayer should probably be the opposite. My default position is 'No!"
: )
I need to learn to say no!
Amen to all of that, Misha! No is necessary if you want to maintain balance within your self! Saying No becomes easy when you realize that you aren't really helping people by doing things for them that they can in all likelyhood do for themselves.
Killing your self doing for others while they sit back and watch isn't love.
Great post!
This is a very powerful prayer! Nicely done. You just have to say no and tell them to tell God their needs.
I always remember the "good", "better", "best" rule of thumb I learned in some Christian book one time. There are a lot of good things that demand my time, even a few better things, but only choose the best. My prayer is having the discernment to know the difference. As always, Misha, such a helpful post!
My priorities have shifted very significantly since I have retired. I find it very easy to say, "No." I've become more reclusive (though that, I think, has more to do with my health, or lack thereof).
Great post, Misha.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting
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