Author’s note: I am late in posting this time-sensitive blog because I was busy cleaning up after my visiting relatives left. Only kidding!

The relatives are coming, the relatives are coming!

Today, May 18, is National Visit Your Relatives Day.

Be Careful, be very careful to keep your boundaries in place.

In the past, I used to go overboard with my hostess duties. My obsessive need for approval and trying to please everyone dictated that I do it all—myself! I insisted, “No, you sit and relax. Thanks for offering, but I’ve got this.”

Later, I grumbled because no one helped me. 

Thank God and thanks to my new, I am worth it! mentality,  I am aware and working on shedding my stinkin’ thinkin’ martyrdom mentality.

All it takes is the never-ending lesson of valuing myself and staying spiritually rooted to my Creator God. Of course, He often has to remind me to love my neighbor [my relatives] as myself.

Daily, my Higher Power and the 12 Steps lead me on the healthy path of self-care. This is critical because loving someone with an addiction requires tough love, wisdom, and a Spiritually rooted sense of Caring for Self – – – first!

 

“In the unlikely event of an emergency, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. To start the flow of oxygen, pull the mask towards you. Place it firmly over your nose and mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head, and breathe normally. Although the bag does not inflate, oxygen is flowing to the mask. If you are travelling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your own mask first, and then assist the other person.”

Set your boundaries.

Stick to them.

Surrender to your Higher Power – Let go and let God.

And remember to Enjoy each step to caring for self!

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.