Drawing the Hard Lines

Whew! And just like that, October is practically over.

Did the calendar spin twice as fast? It's wild how quickly time slips by. It feels like we're on a high-speed train and we can't pull the emergency brakes, or slow the clock down, at least. Even so, it doesn't mean we can be passive passengers, just staring at the blur outside the windows. We can't control the tracks, but we can choose how to make of the journey.

This month has been a bit overwhelming, with various circumstances and unexpected life events occurring one after another. But instead of letting myself drown trying to be everywhere and with everyone, I consciously chose to keep my anchor and deliberately said no to some. This made me realize I have learned to intentionally choose what and where I spend most of my energy.

Oh, it wasn't easy. I had to fiercely argue with the voice in my head because it tried to make me feel guilty. It kept saying I was letting others down and I was missing out on certain things. In the end, I shushed it, chose my own peace and joy, and I have no regrets.

Some time last week, my sister asked me to chaperone her somewhere, but I wasn't in the mood to be anywhere but home, so I politely declined without any further explanation. It was okay with her. It's just crazy that in the past, I usually forced myself to do things, thinking others would feel bad if I didn't.

Drawing the hard lines can be tough, especially when we overthink, but if we truly value our time, peace, and well-being, saying no becomes easier.

Yes, time continues, marching forward relentlessly, and November will arrive very soon. And whether we are ready or not, things will happen, events will keep coming, and circumstances will arise at one point or another. We can't stop them, but we have absolute control over our choices, what we do, and what we focus on.