Distractions

Certain situations come up in life and distract you from doing what you want to do.

If you have children, they are a major distraction. You can no longer put yourself first as often as you'd like. Traveling, going out to parties, etc., all have to be put aside or held off for the sake of raising your little ones. Even simple things like wanting to watch a movie alone in a quiet setting could be difficult.

If you are in a relationship, sometimes you have to sacrifice your own time for your boyfriend or girlfriend, husband or wife. Quality time is key in a relationship, and you cannot be selfish.

Your job is probably one of the hugest distractions in your life. If you aren't self-employed or in business for yourself, the 40-hour or more work week is your restraint. You have the choice of waking up late or not showing up for work, but the price for that is getting a cut in pay or losing your job. So, you have to compromise. You can't stay up late to watch the game when you have work early in the morning. You can't go on vacation unless you have vacation days added up. You can't. You can't. You can't. Unless you don't care about making that dough.

Without these distractions, what would you do with your life? What little things that make you smile have you had to put on the back burner for others? At times, we tend to put others before ourselves, and it is understandable. However, we cannot forget that we can't make others happy without being happy ourselves. We cannot lose ourselves just because we have obligations. Remember, it is absolutely okay to treat yourself once in a while. If others love and care about you, they will understand why you need to do certain things for yourself. People become too busy to go after their dreams, to do fun activities like dance classes or join sports leagues, or to enjoy a hobby. Next thing they know, they claim they're "too old" to do what they want. Time is not unlimited.

Life has to be lived with a balance. Often we don't realize we are living kind of on a tilt. We worry too much about meeting deadlines or about making sure our family is safe and healthy. We are supposed to care for others and handle our responsibilities, but that's not all we're about. You are not a slave to your life; you are your life. Enjoy yourself. Make sense?