Most of us want to be kind and helpful to those around us. We might offer to lend a hand when someone is in a bind or take on another’s chores when they are overwhelmed. The old saying, “Many hands make light work,” is true. When we all pitch in, even huge, difficult tasks become easier. Being open to giving our time and efforts is generally appreciated by those around us. We can be there when needed and share a part of the load. But there is a difference between being helpful and becoming someone else’s dump site. Some people may try to take advantage of our kindness and take all the stuff they don’t want to do and just dump it on us. They can do whatever they like but we don’t have to take on more than we want. We aren’t responsible for completing anyone’s tasks and responsibilities but our own. Just because someone hands us something they don’t want doesn’t mean we must accept it. Everyone is responsible for their own stuff, and if they try to push all the unwelcome and difficult tasks over onto us, we can politely and firmly decline, and step back. Being a team player means just that – being part of a team. It doesn’t mean we have to carry the entire load or do all the heavy lifting by ourselves. If we get into a situation where we’re expected to do more than is comfortable, we can decide how we want to participate. We’re always in control of our own lives and know what works best for us. We can be charitable and help in ways that benefit those around us and don’t wear us completely down. There is always more to do than one person can accomplish. By carefully planning our time, and doing our part, we can feel confident in our assistance, and ensure the success of any project. By doing what we can to help those around us, we can share our light with others, and make the world a better place.
Some people are very forceful and demanding, valuing their own importance, and diminishing the time of others. If we must interact with them, they may push projects onto us that require serious work and effort to accomplish. If they have authority over us, we may need to comply, but if not, we are not compelled to complete anything they arbitrarily assign to us. We can decide what we will and will not do, and express our decisions with grace and clarity, choosing the best road forward.
Offering our time and effort is noble, but we don’t have to give ALL our time and effort to serve those around us. Every moment we give is valuable, and we can determine how much we may offer. We can serve others and still have time for ourselves and what is important for our personal well-being. Sharing what we can, will benefit those around us and enrich our lives and experiences moving forward. We have so much to offer, and our gifts bring great light and goodness to the world.
Today if you’ve been helping others but the requests are more demanding than you can manage, determine how you want to continue. Whatever you can offer will be a blessing to those around you. Be wise and confident. You know what you need and where you want to go. You are a great gift to the world, and we’re all better because you are here. Make the best decisions moving forward, and you will find great joy.
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