Dear brothers and sisters,

Sometimes we hurt and it is an internal pain. Those emotional pains from being used and abused (not physically) from the ones we love. But from being taken for granted by our spouses, children, relatives, friends, co-workers, employers or employees.

You hurt and it seems as if no ones knows or truly understands or that no one cares. It is as if you are fighting this hurt fight all by yourself. If it was a boxing match you would be black and blue all over. But, it is a pain that does not have outward scars. It is an emotional drain and at times seems to much to bear.

Understand that the person who is always there, always dependable, always helping, always giving, always sacrificing for others,this person needs time for self. Because you are always strong for others, others only see you as strong and when you are weak and tired they can not see the weakness and tiredness. Because you are always there supporting, others can not see when you need to be supported.

These are the times you have to take a step back. You have to pull back from supplying to others and take care of yourself. Understand this is not selfishness this is a need. If this is not done you will not be able to give to others. You will become resentful of others. All work and no relaxation is killing you. Not your family, friends or work but you not taking time for yourself.

You have to learn to say "NO" and you have to learn to plan things that pleases you. Have your own relaxing time. It might be going to the spa or going fishing. What ever it is let it be about you. Learn to balance your life that others are not taking advantage of you. They can only take what you allow them to take. They do not realize that they are using you. They do not see that they do not pay attention to your needs and wants.

The reason for this is because you always give in to what they want. You go out of your way to please them. Learn to please yourself sometimes so that you can remain a person that can help and support others.

To love on others we must first love on ourselves.

Balance is a key to success in this life.

With love,
Rev. Tecko H. Green