My boss and my children tell me they like me better now !! Actually my boss said I appear happy and more natural now, not so tense .
As a witness I was always stressed out . I was in a constant state of worry . I hate to think back at how much I yelled at my children because we were running late for meetings or service . I felt the weight of responsibility for everyone's spirituality in the family .It distressed me when my husband would not take the lead and then I would feel pressured to make up excuses for his missed talks and service time.
In the congregation I was always the sister people came to for an encouraging word ,and a listening ear ....My Mother had always taught me to think of others first ,to put myself in their shoes .....This is a good lesson ,however I think I took it to an extreme ...to the point I didn't know what I Needed anymore . Today I am more careful not to become so wrapped up in other peoples problems .
I also was the type of person that cared about the less popular ones in the hall . I made a point of really talking to the lonely elderly sister sitting by herself ,or the semi active couple that others ignored . Now I focus on myself more ,and my immediate family ,it feels healthier .
I feel joyful now in my life . I smile so much more now and for no particular reason other than my insides are finally happy