Pick your investments

I've spent years investing into other people's lives. I've given time, money, ideas, my heart and humor. I've invested but my returns have been minimal for the most part. In fact, in many cases, I've become bankrupt. My spirit, my soul, my heart have become destitute by my overwhelming support and sowing into others lives. Now I'm not saying that all my investments have been bad- but many have come at the expense of my own self. There is little point in investing in others if you are not investing in your own life. And there is no point in investing in something that gives you nothing in return. I've been looking over my life in the past few weeks and I have come to realize that I need to stop sending myself bankrupt. I need to make wiser investments. I need to invest in the one person who won't let me down. Who won't use and abuse my generosity, my kind nature or my sincere willingness to leave an indelible mark in someone's life. This year, I'm investing in me.

I should have done it years ago. Perhaps if I had, I'd be living the life I've always wanted to live. Perhaps if I had just given more regard for myself instead of playing martyr and trying to be all things to all people, I would have made greater leaps and bounds then where I am now. But that is just conjecture. Everything happens for a reason and in the right time. Maybe all the things that have led me to this point are the very things required to get me where I need to be. Now is the time. I am ready. Ready to move forward, to focus, to chase down dreams and not let anyone or anything (especially myself) get in my way.

It's time to shake off the shackles that tell me that anything I do for myself is pure selfishness. I regard selfishness as one of the most ugly characteristics one can be lumbered with. I hate selfish people and it disturbs me to think that I might be perceived that way. But I've taken being selfless to the point of ridiculousness. Honestly, my selflessness could have me working a full time job as a doormat. So I'm drawing a line and staking my claim. This gal will no longer be a doormat or sounding board or heartbreak hotel. No more will I allow myself to pick up all the pieces, unpack the baggage or clear the garbage. I'll still invest in people, but I'll be smarter about it. Some relationships I've formed will have to go. The ones that take but never give. The ones that leave me drained, tear strained and short changed.

I hope that as you read this, you will consider the investments of your own life. Are they worth it? Are they a resource or a drain on your capital? If you are investing in someone who is equally investing in you, hold on tight. But if you are the one doing all the work, then maybe it's worth a second look. Alternatively, you might be someone who needs to start investing in others. It's all about balance. A life full of joy and peace is one that gives AND receives and knows when to hold back for themselves. We can't invest in anyone else when our own well is dry. This is my year, your year, our year to make our investments work for us...and there is no better place to start then from within.