Entry #13: Who Truly Loves You?
During my workout today, I was thinking about how February has become just another month where we feel pressured to spend money. Before you buy something that someone might give away to Goodwill after Valentine’s Day, consider writing a letter. I know a love letter sounds old fashioned but when my kids write us every Christmas, it always makes us cry. We ask for this every year because they are just starting out their lives in their 20s, therefore they don’t have savings to buy gifts. We also try to live as minimalists. That means that every item we own is considered inventory. If we own too much stuff, then it becomes clutter. Each season throughout the year I go through the house to clear out unused items. Imagine picking out a $5 card where you pour your heart out through your pen that takes up no space! Why spend 30 minutes looking for the perfect stuffed bear (that will only collect dust) along with long stemmed roses for a grand total of $80 after tax! If your loved ones aren’t moved by your love letter, then it’s time to re-evaluate if your relationships are the type of people you want to surround yourself with by asking these questions:
- Do they accept you for who you are without financial expectations?
- Can you count on them to be there for you like you are for them?
- Do they respect your personal boundaries?
- Are they living a life of integrity by being honest with you?
- Do their intentions align with yours to help others, or do they only perform projects where they will gain status, wealth or recognition?
- Do they seek peace or engage in gossip only to upset you?
As we begin 2025, I know that these are some deep questions. However, I live by the notion that, “Whatever you say yes to, you’re saying no to something else.” I don’t know who said it, but it’s gold. I do say, “Time is like money. Once you spend it, you can’t get it back.”
Stephanie Preston creates powerful, humorous videos on managing bipolar disorder symptoms. She is a Social Service Worker, Health Care Aide and suffers from severe bipolar depression herself. She is the proud wife of St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston, loves being a grandma and is Crossfit obsessed. Follow her at www.tiktok.com/@bipolaronthebrain and www.facebook.com/bipolaronthebrain.
