When we make a commitment, it is important that we follow through.  We all understand that when we give our “word” to someone, we need to make sure that we follow through on our promises.  However, it may not be as apparent to you that you need to do the same with “internal commitments.”

Sometimes, we commit to ourselves, but we do not treat that commitment like we do external commitments.  We think that since it is “only us” we do not need to follow through with the same vigor and energy of an external commitment.  Yes, there are times, when we may not even know that we are creating an “internal commitment.”

Think back over the past couple of days.  Was there something that you wanted to do for yourself that did not get done?  Maybe you wanted to get a hair cut, or buy a pair of socks.  It could be about anything.  Yes, there is a difference, between self-desires and self-commitments.  However, we may not go beyond the concept of self-desire to make  a self-commitment.

We usually are the last ones for which we will make a commitment.  Maybe you have a burning desire to learn how to paint, but you will not “reward” yourself with the time, energy, or financial commitment to begin that process.  Sometimes, we use the family as an “excuse” providing a sort of “martyr approach.”   “I would love to learn to paint, but I just do not have the time, since the children take up so much of my time.”

Yes, that may very well be the case, but as the children grow and become more self-sufficient, the excuse usually morphs into something else.  The bottom line is, you either do not want to learn to paint, (in this case),  or you would rather play into the ego with self-pity than to pursue your passions.  Which one is it for you?  Hopefully, neither, and you pursue your passions while balancing family life and relationships.

We can pursue our passions, and provide ourselves with the reward of honoring our self-commitments.  However, we first must figure out what it is we would like to commit to!  Think about what it is you have been putting on the “back burner” and consider committing to it so that you can begin its pursuit.

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Life is much happier when we remember to take care of ourselves.  Sometimes, we have grown to externally satisfy the needs of others, while forgetting to pursue our own passions.  Balancing our internal commitments with external commitments can be challenging, but ignoring your internal commitments serves no one!

Written, Mon, Sep 8, 2014 8:13 – 8:22 AM MT