Recently I've been making some changes in order to live a healthier life. I realized that sometimes I put my own health on hold to support others, and I'm trying not to make healthy living a you-or-me decision, but instead I'm trying to strike those "this is good for both of us" decisions. That means some life changes.
Sometimes we may get stuck in the matyr myth that we have to sacrifice our own health and welfare to help others, but usually when we do that we end up resentful and less happy and healthy than we can be. Instead we need to strive for those win-win situations where everyone benefits. We can do that, but it will take some mindshifts and lifestyle shifts.
Today is a good example. I'm doing a friend a favor. I want to help this friend because I know this is important to him and I also get to enjoy his company while I help out, but rather than help out in ways that simply help my friend, I added some dimensions to the event that provide good support and help for me too. I'm striving for a win-win situation where we both benefit in positive ways. I almost gave up my benefits, but then reminded myself that we will both profit if we stick to a plan that is mutually beneficial.
With that said, I'm urging myself and others, to strive for the kind of work that helps others and you too--look for the win-win situations rather than situations that benefit one while taking away from another. We can do this.