When The Word “NO” Means Freedom

Recently at work, someone described me as a “people-pleaser”. Instead of becoming defensive like my coworker expected, I laughed. The truth is that I was a “yes man” and to some extent, I still am. The episode reminded reminded of some advice an old friend gave me which was that if she could teach me to learn (and live by) one word alone, it would be “NO“. I constantly found myself trying to satisfy everyone’s needs but my own, constantly putting others above myself, convinced that to put my own desires first was to be selfish. I now know that  I became this person because I wanted people to like me and value me for I did not value myself.  I pretended to be “happy to help” when all I wanted to do was toss some very nasty phrases at the people who made annoying requests especially the ones who knew that they really were asking too much.

 

There Has To Be An Easier Way To Have An Epiphany..

I started using the gym at work recently since I could no longer make time to go to my regular one. I have always avoided it because virtually no one uses it. Most people just stand around and watch who goes in and comment about how these guys just waste their time standing around instead of working out or eat so much then expect to lose weight in five minutes. Yes, I know we’re all not supposed to be bothered about what other people think but I am. Anyway I climbed unto the treadmill, started warming up and cranked up the speed. I then proceeded to slip on the machine and crash, landing with my limbs all over the place.

 

What I Learned From The Elephant Man

I recently came across this strong poem when by chance I read the story of the elephant man that I thought I’d share. He overcame so many odds to live the kind of life that he lived and he is an inspiration to anyone who has ever felt like they were lacking or deformed or otherwise inferior.