I do recall watching a rather absorbing American Sci-fi movie series ‘Heroes’, here was particular scene where the mother of two brothers who were just discovering their powers and ‘abilities’, was conversing with the brother who worked as a nurse taking care of the old and sick, telling him that if he continued putting others first (in everything), he’d end up being the last. How correct is this statement? Is it even debatable?
In my humble opinion, I think that as the woman saddled with such precious yet demanding roles in the home as a wife, mother, the career woman, housekeeper, friend to relatives, neighbour to all, you do need some time for yourself. Others must be alert to the fact that you too need to be looked after, and this is where your spouse must come in. Discuss it with him, though you expect that he ought to know this naturally (and I think he should), bringing it up during a nice conversation is not entirely out of the question. Pamper and indulge yourself a little more without feeling guilty. Take a vacation with your spouse or daringly solo. Eat right. Avoid worrying over things you cannot change as worry causes stress, and stress puts a strain on your physical and mental health. Getting a copy of ‘Cosmopolitan’ and flipping through its pages is one of my happiness-triggers, find your own happiness-trigger(i.e., little personal things that you do that give you joy) and indulge. If you have the finances, give yourself a splash in the boutique. Go to the cinemas. For once, imagine that you are free of all responsibilities and savour the moment. For, if truly you desire to make others happy, you must be happy yourself, thereby balancing the ‘equation’.
Above all, you and your partner will have to trust in each other to work together on this. Ask for the Lord’s guidance in everything you do, as surely, His wisdom will be a light in the path of your decisions. Current lifestyle may be changing for everyone: man or woman, but you can still maintain a sane existence and not get swept off by the ‘fast-lane’ tide.
