“I need a vacation.” Heard that one before, right? But what I really needed was a detoxification from work, people, and life situations. I kept asking myself, When do I get to breathe? When do I get to do what I want? When will someone finally notice and appreciate my efforts? Then it hit me: When? Now.
It was simple and I needed to remember what I needed. I take a breather when I want…not when someone says so. I get to do what I want when I make time for it and not when someone says I can. And I don’t need validation and appreciation for my efforts from someone else…when I pre-approved it. The lack of sleep and constant busy nothings was getting to me. I needed to take some time off from everything and everyone.
So, I shut off all communication from the outside world, refused to check emails, voicemails, and social media…and I couldn’t have made a better choice. Sometimes…some days…it just needs to be you against the world. Did I feel bad about not answering their calls, responding to emails, or not being available? (Insert laughter here.)
I had forgotten the answer to one question: You know what happens when you stop helping those who expect it from you? They eventually figure it out themselves. I can’t help everyone who asks for it…and I’m not required to. First, I have to help myself…and need my sanity to do it.
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