I wake up at 5am. Review for class until about 7am. Head to work at the consulting firm or head to a day of class. That's usually followed by meetings for my community organizations, a dance class and/or a workout, and closed out with more studying. So riddle me this, where exactly in that schedule is there time permitted for added stress, arguments, blow-outs, or catastrophes?
Because I tend to fill every moment of my day with something productive, I have little to no time for anything that will steer me away from my many projects. I used to feel guilty when I wasn't there for a family member or friend as much as they wanted me to be. I used to feel terrible when I didn't give the attention that a certain fella needed. I used to feel bad about saying, "no" to a project or to overtime for one of my many jobs. Then I realized, no one cares as much about Courtnie as I do. I was making everyone else Numero Uno, and leaving myself to dry. A good friend of mine reminded me to always advocate for myself.
You control your atmosphere. While God is the author and finisher of your life, you decide who and what is on your mind and ultimately in your heart.
You really don't owe it to anyone to keep them in your immediate atmosphere. People will try to establish permanent residence in your life, hiding behind the shield of "love" or "loyalty"...and that's Bull!
What's taking up emotional space in your life? A significant other that doesn't respect you? A family member who is always asking for money? A friend who always leaves you playing therapist or referee?
It's important to take control of your happiness; to be selfish; to use the oxygen mask approach to life. As Kerry Washington said, "Put your own mask on first, then devote your energy to everyone else."
