Dear Girlfriends,

Drainers. We've all got them--you know, people who can suck the oxygen out of the room, people who invade your physical and mental space with their ongoing issues; people who you know you've been commanded by God to love. But it's really, really hard.

And it's not always a nosey neighbor or relationally challenged office mate. Sometimes it's close friends and family. I know for a fact because I have family with issues. Issues that can drain the chi right out of you. I could write a book on this subject alone but will keep this brief. You're not going to fix them or their problem. Accept it. People with dependency issues or other deep problems will drain your energy and make your purse so darn heavy that you can't drag your fanny out of the house. Co-dependency is a big word with big meaning. If you have family or friends with significant problems or addictions please go to the next ALANON meeting nearest you. If someone is pushing your buttons, it's not their fault...it's your fault for not setting your own boundaries. It's your fault for trying to save them.

A man of great anger shall bear the penalty, for if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again. Proverbs 19:19

You can't take some people's picture out of your purse--especially when they're family--but you can darn well take their issues out of there! Oh! You can also take out the concealer--you'll have fewer circles from worrying all night!

Updating my photos,
Ellen

Posted by Ellen on January 16, 2007 2:06 PM  |  Category: What's In Your Purse?