When you put everyone else’s needs before your own, there may not be much time or energy left for you. You may start out doing this with the best of intentions because you care about other people and want to help them. However, at some point this want becomes a need for you. Instead of doing it because you want to, it becomes the way for you to belong to a group and play a role that causes you to slide into the background.
I found this quote by Abiola Abrams that said, “People Pleasing doesn’t allow you to receive.” Take that in and see if that is true for you. Are you giving away way more than you are receiving? Reflect on why that may be happening for you. Could it be the fear of not being liked or to avoid confrontation with others?
Implement some strategies to avoid people pleasing if you are doing it too much. Start out small and block out time that is just for you. Make commitments to yourself and don’t break them. Say no to others instead of just automatically saying yes. Create the space in your life to take care of you. Make choices in your life that make you happy. Allow others the gift of giving to you for a change. Enjoy the moment!