Taking Time

My natural mode is: go, go, go.

But sometimes I need to stop and rest.

My default personality is to say: yes.

Even if it’s too much for me. I’ll put someone else’s needs above my own.

And that’s not good.

I’ll work extra hard, get less sleep—all to keep things moving. To push forward, to not rock the boat.

But sometimes I need to say no. Sometimes I need to stop.

And that’s okay. The world will keep on spinning without me.

My view as I write this.

So I took a break.

I had to tell people “no” that I couldn’t help.

because I grew up in a dysfunctional family with the aftermath of my parents’ divorce and the specter of abuse hanging over us like a scythe, I often said yes and pushed myself too hard because I didn’t know what else to do to get by.

I tell these stories not to dwell on the past or to blame my parents but to free myself.

When you speak the truth, it sets you free.

And today, I choose to be free.

What about you?