People Pleaser

People Pleaser There was an old man, a boy and an ass. They were going to town and it was decided that the boy should ride. As they went along they passed some people who thought that it was a shame for the boy to ride and the old man to walk. The man and boy decided that maybe the critics were right so they changed positions. Later, they passed some more people who thought that it was a real shame for the man to make such a small boy walk. The two decided that maybe they both should walk. Soon they passed some more people who thought that it was stupid to walk when they had an ass to ride. The man and the boy decided maybe the critics were right so they decided that they both should ride. They soon passed other people who thought that it was a shame to put such a load on a poor little animal. The old man and the boy decided that maybe the critics were right so they decided to carry the ass. As they crossed a bridge they lost their grip on the animal and it fell into the river and drowned.   My Message The moral of the above story is that if you try to please everyone you will lose your "ass". There’s absolutely nothing wrong with pleasing people, including ourselves. If we’re willing to make sacrifices for the sake of another, who are we to say that’s wrong?  But the fact is, people pleasing isn’t about pleasing others, but fending off our fear of rejection. You have to remember that there is no way you will be able to satisfy everyone all the time, so don't beat yourself up trying. You have to decide what is best for yourself first and then have the courage to see what is needed to help those around you. Most of the time we do our best to please others but land up feeling frustrated, overworked and under acknowledged, and that is purely because you have forgotten who you are and what is best for yourself. Now I'm not saying forgot about everyone else, just make sure to keep yourself on the list of priorities in your daily endeavours. It's time to start living your life more effectively and with a freedom and this way you will be able to achieve 'your' goals and dreams, not someone else's. Have an awesome week! Darren Zwiers The Quote: "We are so accustomed to disguise ourselves to others that in the end we become disguised to ourselves". - François Duc de La Rochefoucauld