Have you noticed, Peace Family, how much you want to help others and please others? I think it is a part of the Christian life. Serving others, helping others, giving others what they need and want. When we do that it makes us feel like God used us in a unique way. However, you can wear yourself out and end up frustrated and frazzled. For years I have tried to work on setting healthy boundaries and being brave enough to say No. I have yet to master this.
This is Jami Mayberry and, well, I have once again failed miserably. I say yes when I should say no because I want to please people and be pleasing to God and then end up resentful, frustrated and exhausted. I want so much to do the right thing and have God use me. But I end up doing too much and wearing myself out. I don’t take care of me the way I should. So, today is a reminder to all of us to take care of yourself or you will be of no use to others. Sometimes it’s okay to say no to people, projects and last minute things.
So, I sat down and wrote out several things that I have to make priorities. One at the top of the list is taking care of myself in a better way. It can take many forms depending on what your needs are. Do you need alone time every day so you don’t melt down feeling overwhelmed? Do you need to walk or exercise to release the stress and pressure in your life? Do you need to SAY NO without feeling guilty? These are things we can work on each day. Some days we will be victorious and other days we will fail. But the important thing is to keep on trying, and above all, remember God’s grace. You are covered in the blood of Jesus and he paid a tall price for you to know redemption and forgiveness. Don’t squander that. You are special and important.
There are many books you can read on overcoming being a people pleaser. Remember it might be a lifelong struggle. But it is worth the fight! Take care of youself to be better able to care for your family and church and community. And if you find any methods that work for you let me know!
You must be logged in to post a comment.