Putting Others Ahead Of Me. Contest #289

Feeling like I'm doing "too much" lately has become very common in my life, and I found myself in a situation today that made me realize how much I have been ignoring my physical and mental health. I had plans for the day and expected everything to go smoothly, but things suddenly changed in a way I never imagined. If someone had told me earlier that I would find myself in a very far location today, I honestly would not have believe it.

Earlier today, I received a call to go and collect a sample of a product i had already introduced to someone. I had already discussed with the person in charge of the sample, and since he lives in same area as I do, I expected the process to be easy and stress free. Unfortunately, he mistakenly sent the sample to a very far location, thinking that was where I wanted it delivered. When I called him, he explained the situation. At that point, I was already tired, so I asked him to send the soft copy instead. He did but the client rejected it and insisted on getting the original.

I agreed to abandon all my plans for the day just to satisfy the client. Meanwhile, I also had an important meeting at my place of worship by 5pm and I had a part there, so I could not afford to miss it. I still wanted to coke for the family, prepare for my part and and take care of myself like I always do every Thursdays, but everything became impossible. I left home by 9am hoping to arrive home around 3pm, but instead I got home by 6pm, exhausted, hungry and completely drained. I ended up not attending my Christian meeting, not eating a balanced meal, not having a proper rest and I felt so famished because I have been on the move all day.

What makes the situation even more painful is that all this stress was not even for my personal benefit. I was doing it just to please other people and put smile on their faces, while ignoring my own health and well-being. These days, I have been stressing myself and constantly putting others before myself. I hardly have enough time to rest, eat properly, or even care for my mental health. Deep down, I knew I should have turned down the request, but because I find it difficult to say no, I accepted it. 😔😔😔. Sometimes I feel like flogging myself.

After all said and done, I realized that I have truly gone beyond my limits, I'm actually doing too much. I spend too much time looking out for people that I barely pay attention to my own well being anymore, and it's beginning to affect me mentally and physically. Sometimes, I feel like people take advantage of my kindness because they know I hardly refuse request. It hurts because while I try my best to help others, I often end up being exhausted, overwhelmed, and emotionally drained.

I really need to start creating boundaries, knowing that constantly pleasing people at the expense of my health is unhealthy. I really need to make out time for myself.

This is contest # 289 of @ladiesofhive and you are welcomed to @sarahbaby blog.