A Year of Change

I looked in the mirror this morning and saw someone new. I saw someone strong, someone able, and someone who will survive. Someone who will no longer forsake her own welfare to make others happy. Someone who refuses to beg and nag if those around her refuse to do what's best for themselves. They can handle themselves.

I have always had a mother's soul, it seems. The caregiving, the nurturing, the doing whatever it takes to make those around me try to reach their potential. All of that's good. But with that came the selflessness, the self-sacrifices, blah....

After an extremely trying day yesterday I said "No More!" Other adults, I will no longer coddle or make excuses. I can only be responsible for me. And I *will* only be responsible for ME.

Of course, my disclaimer here... I am a mother, and I do have children. Of course I will continue to mother them.... I'm talking about adults in my life here.

I think women often grasp onto the 'mother' title. Self-sacrificing, woe-is-me, but aren't I such a hard worker to make you all happy??? But when that self proclaimed title spills over and you become a nagger and an enabler to adults, there comes a time when you hit a wall.

My mantra for today is "I am responsible for me".

Have any of you 'been there done that' with any of this? I could use some words of advice/encouragement/observation...