I like to describe myself as a “giver.” In relationships, and in life generally, what brings me joy and happiness is seeing my partner happy, or that others are happy. At it’s best, I am rewarded with words of affirmation, and the knowledge that I am making a difference, however small, in the world. My purpose is to be a servant to others. At worst, however, my desire to give and see others thrive is often taken advantage of. My sentimental attachment to others has been, in the past, used as a tool of manipulation in order to drain me of resources (money, time, self-esteem).
Sometimes the saying, less is more, is completely accurate. At one point in my life, I was working eight to fourteen hours a day. Life to me was little more than work and sleep. When I did have a moment for myself, my body told me I was sick, and I would hardly do anything except try to rest, and maybe get some laundry done. It was a rough time. Over the years, I have come to see the value of self-care, and of managing your outputs.
I think that we’ve allowed politics to take up such a high place in our lives that we no longer see anything but politics. It has infected, like a virus, much of our daily lives, from shopping, to sports, to movies. There is no escape from politics anymore. And the idea of twenty-four hours a day nonstop politics is simply exhausting.
Be engaged, friends. But don’t forget to unplug from all of this madness for just a moment. Replenish your souls with the things that give you life and strength, for there are many battles ahead.
A Place 4Politics 