It’s really easy, especially for women who’ve typically defined themselves and their goals based on their relationships, to get pulled into other people’s stuff and put their own needs and wants on the back burner. But you were created for a purpose unique to you. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) proclaims: “You are God’s handiwork, created to do good works, which God prepared in advance for you to do.” When you know what that purpose is and you live accordingly, you will feel joyful and fulfilled, because it will be aligned with your heart’s desires. Plus, when you know your purpose, it’s easier to clarify how you want to spend your time. Sometimes we do need to be responsive and serve others, but as my Pinterest pin puts it, “Every time you feel yourself getting pulled into other people’s nonsense, repeat these words: NOT MY CIRCUS. NOT MY MONKEYS. [From a Polish proverb, pinned from tag.amazeworthy.com.]
This is one of my 21 Reminders About How to Approach the Creative Process (a summarized list without all the photos, but easy to print out in a more condensed format).