You’re not tired? Yeah YOU! When you have a problem, who do you call? You. When work is getting difficult, who do you lean on? You. If an unexpected bill or expense arises, who takes care of it? You. So again—you’re not tired? I get it—you’re used to living a life where you look out for yourself and I’m sure your reasoning sounds like this: if you want to avoid disappointment, you do it yourself; if you don’t want to be let down, you do it yourself; and if you want things done a certain way, you do it yourself. But wait, what happens when your health takes a hit because of how much you’re doing? What happens when you don’t have the strength to manage all the responsibilities you’re struggling to juggle? What happens when you’re feeling mentally drained? Well, you’ll only have one person to blame—YOU.
My belief is that many people fall into a rhythm—or might I say, lifestyle—where they find it “easier” to rely on themselves than on others. They’ve probably had their fair share of people letting them down; saying one thing but doing another; having excuses for every one of their shortcomings—the list goes on. As a result, they have run themselves ragged by not giving anyone else a chance again. I’ve been there. So, trust me when I say that is a very unhealthy way to live that will only end in disaster (or, God forbid, worse).
As difficult as it may be, you will do yourself a LOT of good by giving people another chance to help lighten your load. Why you ask? There are NUMEROUS benefits of allowing others to support and disburden you. Just take a look at the list below.
Spiritual Benefits
If you truly believe you live by God’s principles, your actions should reflect that. People have let you down? Jesus said, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14) That means that when people fall short, as you are constantly forgiven for your trespasses, you should reflect God’s love and forgive them as well. Does that erase the past? No, but it is a step in the right direction—a step towards being open to giving others another chance to try and help you again. When the Word says, “Give your burdens to the Lord and He will sustain you …” (Psalms 55:22) that sustenance sometimes comes in the form of people—you just have to be receptive enough to receive it.
Emotional Benefits
Your emotions should not be minimized because they matter a lot. When you don’t have balance, on the outside, you may be getting things done, but inside, the suffering can’t be put into words. Consequently, you may be treating others differently without even realizing it. Some examples include having a shorter temper, becoming more irritable and even yelling (to name a few). Lightening your load will help you keep your emotions in check. Your stability will result in a calmer and more collected demeanor, healthier interactions with others and a stronger self of self. In addition, this will give you a chance to deepen your bonds and friendships as you learn to become more vulnerable with those you care about. The benefits are endless.
Mental Benefits
Your mental health is paramount. If you aren’t taking care of it and ensuring you are in a good head space, it affects countless areas of your life. When you make a decision to allow those around you to help you address your challenges, it can give you peace of mind—an immeasurable benefit in life. And when you have less things to worry about, it also reduces your stress, lowers your anxiety and minimizes the chances of you becoming depressed. This in turn allows you to manage your other responsibilities effectively, have a better work-life balance and overall, be in a better frame of mind. I could go on and on, but I think you get it. You get one mind and one life to use it; so, treat it with care.
Physical Benefits
Overwhelming yourself trying to handle every aspect of your life alone is very draining and tiring. As you overuse your body, you will start to find it very difficult to do simple things. You can take all the medication you want but you will still end up with the same result. That is because we are human beings and we all have limitations. However, when you are willing to let go of even a few things on your plate to give room for others to support you, it can improve your health. You will look and feel less tired, and you will have a LOT more energy to not only handle tasks but also do other things to improve your physical health like exercising and meal prepping. Do yourself and your body a favor and learn to let go.
Effectual Benefits
And lastly, leaning on others also leads to increased productivity. When you aren’t so bombarded with the million things you want to handle alone, you have more time to do the things you enjoy that help you balance life’s struggles; you can focus on things that you have been neglecting like future planning, friendships and relationships, family, etc.; you can rediscover yourself and return to a happier time in your life; and so much more. Oftentimes, people are going nowhere fast and don’t realize it because they’re overworking themselves. Ironically, you can complete more tasks efficiently by slowing down, taking a step back to assess where you are, reprioritizing what needs to be done and putting a new plan in motion.
It is never too late to give yourself a break and lean on those God has placed in your life—until it’s actually too late. If you want to have a better quality of life, then shift your mindset and be willing to open yourself to trusting others again. Sure, you could continue doing things your way and be a “self-made” and “independent” individual, but how much longer can you keep that up? We ALL have limits—some of us just realize it sooner than others. Being a person that is unwilling to take help when help is there—and NEEDED—is eventually going to cost you dearly.
Again, God never intended for you to handle life’s challenges by yourself. There are just some things that are bigger than us. And other times, there’s a lot of little things that add up over time and become unbearable. You are not alone; so, don’t isolate yourself any longer—learn to lighten your own load by disburdening yourself and leaning on those around you who want to be there for you. Trust me, when you allow God to use others to make your burdens light and those weights have been removed, you can soar to the heights He has intended for you! Don’t let your stubbornness and bad experiences keep you grounded.
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