Stop it now. Start today.

I read these 30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself, and I think you should, too. As a matter of fact, I'm thinking about adding them to my computer's calendar, day by day, so that I receive one of the thirty bits of priceless advice each morning, every month. It's that good. It has that much to absorb and continually reflect on.

For the past twenty years, I've fallen prey to many of these bad habits in my life. Trying to please people who suck the happiness out of my life. Putting my own needs and goals on the back burner. Believing other people's lies about me. Thinking I'm not ready for the next big thing, and, as a result, holding myself back from it, tiptoeing to the edge of the fabulous, looking over, and then, scared half-to-death, inching backwards to safety. 

Maybe you've let these bad habit sink their talons into your life, too. Maybe you complain too much, get jealous of others, and feel sorry for yourself. Or maybe you've been holding a grudge against that family member who didn't do precisely what you felt they should have done for you, said something that bruised your ego a little bit, and you just won't let it go. Or, like me, you spend way too much time justifying yourself, explaining yourself to others, hoping, possibly even begging, for even the slightest nod of their acceptance and approval. 

It's time for me, for you, to stop it. Stop blaming others for your problems, for holding you back from your goals and dreams. Stop trying to be everything to everyone. It handicaps the ones you love and robs you of the joy of being you. Stop being ungrateful for the amazing life you've been given. There's no other you. No one else has been blessed with what you've been blessed with, has accomplished what you've accomplished, is loved like you are love, by those very special folks who love you, for who you are, every day. 

Go read those 30 things by Marc and Angel. And then, get on with the life you know, have always known, that you were really meant to live.