Too many times I've let others go before me and they never said thank you, and too many times I've let others shine with the help of me and they never said thank you. Too many times I've let others take advantage of me and too many times I've stayed loyal but no more. Now, I'm not saying that I am going to change the characteristics of me, because I like me, I really do enjoy who I am. I love helping people and being there in any way that I can. That will always be me. 

Its just that I've noticed that I've done a lot for folks and with just the exception of a few, the rest could care less, could give a damn, wouldn't admit it to you even if they were taking a lie detector test that I've been there for them. Been by their side from the bottom up. You feel me?

But don't misunderstand me, I am not bitter, nor am I mad I can't blame anyone but myself because I was so busy looking out for others, being there for others, putting my neck on the line for others that I, me, forgot to, no matter what, look out for me. But I bet you one thing, I got my back now. Believe it.

Does this mean that I will stop doing for others? No. Does this mean I will stop being there for others? No. Does this mean that I will stop putting my neck on the line for others? No. Butwhat it does mean is that I will now do it without blinders on. And it's cool, I just take it as a lesson learned. Along time ago my mother said to me, "Don't expect others to do what you do, think like you, share the way that you do. Do you undersand?" I said I did but that wasn't the way I lived my life. I lived my life as the whole "Do unto others as you want done unto you" but what i've found is that not everyone is capable of giving love, sharing love or being loyal. Some people are just selfish and their motto is "Give me everything and i will take it all" but when you see that, don't ever expect them to recipricate anything unless they happen to have an epiphany and in that case, those type of people have to crash and burn, actually hit rock bottom. Before they can even realize whose been there for them, helped them even when their own family wouldn't and didn't.

But through all of this I've learned a few lessons and here they are:

*Never short change yourself for others (remember nice guys finish last) doesn't mean you have to step on other people to get what you want. You just have to make sure that no one cuts you when you're in line.

*Never compromise your happiness for someone who won't do it for you.

*In order for you to shine you must be true to yourself. Know that you can't take everyone with you.

*Last but not at all least.  A closed mouth doesn't get heard or fed. And also if you see that someone is just taking and taking and never think about you to ask about you, give you, see about you, then talk to them about it. That way if that behaviour continues you know to cut them loose and move forward with your plans like you were doing before you took a moment to let that person intervene in your path.

So, as you know it is my time now. I no longer do the following:
 
*Try to be diplomatic with my husband's ex-wife (baby momma)
*Try to see where other's are coming from (it's now, my way or no way)
*Let others benefit from my idea's and money. I am now cognizant about my decisions.
*Try to care about others feelings ( I don't want to hear it)
*Let the people in my life play on my feelings to get me to accommodate them at any cost regardless of how I'm feeling.

* I now say "NO" with no problems to any everyone that I feel like saying NO to. That's it that's all. I feel good about it to. and I've been like this for more than a little while. More than a year and can I tell you that it's really been working. But of course the one's that done  right by me and are doing right by me they know they have my heart and can get just about anything from me because they care, they listen, they see about me, they make sure I have if I don't, they call, they ask me if I need something even if it looks like I'm doing fine, they recipricate and I never expected them to, but they knew what to do. That's exactly why I love them. 

I've started back on my road to literary missions, goals and expeditions. And it has now begun so expect to be hearing more and more from me. I've started and the beginning is my website. Please feel free to explore and let me know what you think. http://www.untilnomore.net/.

And to those who may be in this same predicament I ask that you look at the situation and assess for yourself because remember, no one is going to take care of you, but you. I mean (God does) but he also gives us plenty of intelligence to know when something isn't right and what needs to be changed. God also gives us a green light when is it our time. So with that said...


                                         My Time is Now...What about you?

Until...