A dog after a swim, stops only long enough to shake off the water. For his comfort. He doesn’t worry about the water, if it made a mess on the ground or if his splashing will disrupt others. He shakes it off and runs on further. He has places to go.

Sometimes I hold on to responsibilities for too long. Obligations and commitments that no longer are helpful to anyone. But I said I would do that. They need me. I’ve always helped with that charity. It’s like the invisible chains that psychologists talk about. I don’t wish to be inconsiderate, but sometimes I delay my own needs for too long. I delay because I don’t want to inconvenience others. I’m considerate.

Only I can decide how helpful I wish to be. And even why I’m doing some of these things. I have to shake them off. Sometimes I’ve found I wasn’t as helpful as I thought I was. Left alone, that person could have done it themselves. I have to make my decisions based on my needs also.

I’m doing this for me. Those around me are going to scream and cry and throw a tantrum. They might accuse me of being selfish. Of not caring. Because I’m rocking their world. It doesn’t mean I’m selfish or inconsiderate. It’s just their words trying to hurt me. It’s done out of fear on their part and it isn’t an objective critique.

considerate (kənˈsɪdərɪt)
— adj
1. thoughtful towards other people; kind
2. rare carefully thought out; considered

Collins English Dictionary – Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition

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