Entry #14: Sometimes We Pray and Walk Away
March 1st, 2025 is my 50th birthday. Ever since my recent month long stay in hospital, I find myself being mindful of whom I spend my time with and how I spend it. Mom is 72 now. My kids are all in their mid-20s and our granddaughter is already three years old. We own a Wendy’s restaurant where I work a few hours a week and my husband is busy as the mayor of St. Thomas. I have been reflecting on my marriage because my husband is older than me. I don’t want to take one second for granted where I could have kissed him goodbye, told him I loved him, or went to dinner with him. If I live to be 100 years old (my grandma is 95), the clock is ticking.
Today’s journal is cheeky, but it’s meant to make you think. It’s so freeing to understand that it’s OK to let people make their own mistakes because there is no growth without failure. Here is a short quiz – please answer honestly!
- Do you know deep down that the people you’re “helping” aren’t going to change, but you keep engaging?
- Do you know the difference between supporting someone and enabling a person?
- Do you know the difference between helping and enabling other people?
- Do you feel guilty saying no to others even though you’re exhausted?
- Do you take time for yourself to do hobbies and or things you enjoy to recharge?
- Do you take care of your physical health?
- Do you let your phone go to voicemail when you need a break?
There are no wrong answers to this quiz. For fun and self-reflection, what were your answers? Did you have any AHA moments? Next month we will explore these questions, but I will be asking you how, what, and when you’re treating yourself with more love and self-care. I leave you with this. You’re not someone’s oxygen tank. They can breathe just fine on their own.
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.
