Stop Living Your Life For Other People
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Stop Living Your Life For Other People

Give yourself a break and don't worry so much about inconveniencing others.

9
Stop Living Your Life For Other People

I hate disappointing people. I always attend class, I never miss work, and I am mortified if I'm ever late to anything. I (almost excessively) communicate with everyone around me so we're always on the same page and no one is ever left guessing. I do this without even expecting the same courtesy in return.

This week I caught a nasty virus that basically immobilized me for days. During this time I realized just how much I lived my life for other people.

I had never missed class due to being sick, and I just assumed my professors wouldn't believe me. Calling in sick for work was the hardest thing I had ever had to do, especially for three days in a row; I almost just went on the third day to lessen my guilt even though I was physically exhausted after walking for less than five minutes (which is a common symptom of most viruses).

I was frustrated with myself for not being able to pull myself together so I could stop letting people down...as if it was my choice to be sick and I was the one to blame for not just sucking it up. I felt as though I could downplay being sick so I could keep getting things done for everyone around me.

Now I have multiple papers to write and tests to study for as finals week quickly approaches. These things have been expected of me to complete even when I could hardly leave my bed, and of course it's my fault for not starting them earlier.

Listen, I'm not drying to deny responsibility of these things. As a person, there are certain things that are expected of me to do, like going to class and writing papers.

The point I'm trying to make is, I don't have to push myself to my physical limit to avoid inconveniencing anyone around me, especially when I know they wouldn't do the same. If being sick is one of the only moments in my life where I can just think about myself then I'll take it

If this virus killed me tomorrow, all the people I think I'm inconveniencing would find a way to get everything done and move on. So while I'm still alive I'm going to focus on my health and worry about myself more rather than living for everyone around me.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58541
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37733
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959318
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

194109
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments