TJ, I think it's really interesting that you were able to pinpoint the biggest life-taker for you—the desire to please others. I suspect that's what we each need to do: find the energy suck and squelch it. I also really love how you put this: "...the mind and body are keeping pace with each other so my emotions don’t take over with all the stress."

suzigurl, it sounds like you have a really great foundation for starting up the love list habit again. Man, I wish I had known to do something like that in my teens and twenties—I can only imagine all of the wandering it would have prevented. You *can* reclaim some of the joy of that girl you used to be. I'm excited for you! I also have an idea for supporting one another in our love list endeavors, via my blog and Twitter. More on that soon!

Kat, thanks for letting me know you're reading and thinking about all of these things. I look forward to getting to know you more (and I'll definitely check out your blog).

Michael, yes, I got that "saying yes" affliction from my dad.  Who did you get it from? Maybe we should start a support group. :) Thanks for the link. I'm going to take a look at it today.

Katherine, it's always so good to know we're not alone, even when we're up in the middle of the night worrying and feeling alone. It also sounds like maybe we should find time to meet for coffee or a beer, too, since we have the luxury of living in the same town!

Trina, what's funny about the analogy, is that it had been a decade since I had thought about what it felt like to "run" across that soccer field. As I sat and tried to center myself on how I was feeling about my life, the memory just popped into my head. I love how memory and analogies and stories all work together in the craft of writing. (And I would love to hear more about your decision to step off the "crazy train." Sounds like there's a story there!)

Nicola, you bring up some really good points: letting go of the need for things to be just so, and the importance of being kind to yourself. I'm going to throw those into the mix of things I'm pondering. I have to say I really love being able to connect with you here. (Note: Nicola and I grew up as cousins even though we aren't biological cousins, but haven't seen each other in a decade!) We always did connect as kids, so it's fascinating to see our ties even now, in our completely different lives. 

Daisy, I think saying "yes" can be addictive, which is why it's a hard habit to break. I also think that "no" is hard for me because I don't want to appear selfish, and because I struggle with feeling guilty about the idea of appearing selfish. That probably come from my mom being one of the least selfish people I know! Oh, what a tangled, beautiful mess we are.