Because life is a journey and we all need a friend.
I had to choose. This decision has been made by me many times before but never had I felt so unable to make any decision. How did I get to this low point where I had nothing left for anybody and no vacation, meditation, or time off could take away the weight that I carried. Reflecting back, I had taken on many roles the year before this but most of which I loved. After doing my best to carry on these many roles, often with little sleep, I fell under the weight of criticism from others. Maybe it was that I had carried so much that I was shocked that someone would criticize me. Maybe I deserved the criticism because I was knowingly carrying too many work and family obligations. I’m uncertain which it is but what I do know is that I would be spending the next 3 years figuring out just what happened during that time in my life. One conclusion without a doubt, is that I tried to live up to everyones expectations of me and it wasn’t working at all.
The road to success is always under construction.
We often read about strengths and weaknesses and I too was no stranger to the teaching “find your strengths and focus your energies on those activities” but when life carried on so successfully I began to set aside such advice and think that I could somehow be superhuman and carry on a “bit” extra. But, what I didn’t realize is the longer I went on like that, the more it would wear on my body and the longer it would take to recover.
That’s what I learned the hard way. I had a choice: to live for myself or live towards others expectations of me. The problem is that being a people pleaser myself, I couldn’t even tell you what I enjoyed anymore. I had left most hobbies behind and convinced myself that I enjoyed things that I really didn’t. Sometimes I think midlife crisis’ can feel like an adolescent again. “Who am I?” seemed to float around my thoughts like it never got answered at 16.
I decided to revisit the personality tests again and look deeply at what were my strengths and weaknesses to decide what roles that I could take on without wearing myself thin. My favorite is the Meyers-Briggs Personality Test found here: Meyers Briggs Personality Test or 16 Personalities Test.
After reviewing these tests again, I came to realize that I was doing many job roles that did not fit my personality. This was the cause of my burnout. I didn’t love myself and take care of myself which led to adrenal fatigue, depression, and anxiety. I would slowly make my way back into a functional member of society but only if I kept a better balance.
What does that balance look like for you? The following decisions have to be made if you are going to live in your strengths and enjoy following your passions in life.
Living up to others expectations of us leads to burnout and little satisfaction in life.
A special note to fellow bloggers and authors: what do you enjoy writing about and have experience with? Experience is the best school. Anyone can read a book but writing comes from learning, applying it to life, and then writing. Skipping the applying step makes ones writing fake and superficial. Good readers can see past that. I’ve made the mistake before going for that killer headline to get more readers but long term success requires patience and endurance continuing to put on paper your experience and expertise in your own unique way.
Choosing your unique passion and strengths in life will be fulfilling but will not be appreciated by everyone. There are people who wish to use you, many people are working to achieve their own goals which may not be inline with yours, and you will have to choose. It’s easy: yes, not now, or no. But keep your goal in sight!
To fulfill your passions in life, you must be willing to say no.
What am I, Ann Hall, passionate about? Meeting health needs and getting clean water to rural poor people. To see me in action, you can watch this on youtube. Please like and share this blog so others too will benefit!
What a wonderful post. I can feel the agonizing thoughts that must have gone into making the necessary changes in your life. I sincerely mean it when I say, Good for you! 💕 I found myself in similar situations in my life which ultimately caused my early retirement. I have never regretted it and now take life at a slower pace. First faithful to God, my husband and myself! We are always learning and growing, aren’t we?
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Thank you! Seriously, thank you! For not just reading my post but contemplating the feelings behind it. Yes we are always learning! I would love it if you would read my most recent post 40 Reasons Why I Love Working With My Husband. I would love your feedback and wisdom. Thank you so much for stopping by!
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I will try to check it out soon.💕👍 perhaps I would get some tips myself.
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I love this post! Great advice and inspirational.
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Thank you Eugenia!
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