“That’s what I always say; if you wish a thing to be well done, You must do it yourself, you must not leave it to others!” ˜Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
This is not to say that you should never ask for help; it’s just a nice way of ensuring that things get done and to your satisfaction. On the other hand, If you screw up, you don’t have to be mad at anyone else but little ole you. “But what if I don’t want to do everything myself?” you ask. Hey, I didn’t say you had to do everything. How about you just start with these 5 things:
1. Pay your own bills(the ones that are in your name) - Don’t leave this task to your significant other, room mate, best friend, parents, or anyone else unless you are willing to be responsible if it doesn’t get done. Automatic band deductions are fine; however, even banks make mistakes. You should still check your accounts regularly.
2. Wash your clothes- Shrunken sweaters, pink undergarments that used to be white, your favorite baby-doll T that can now fit your pre-teen. Do I really need to go on?
3. Purchase life insurance – This is something that no one wants to think about; nevertheless, it’s one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. Besides, if someone else buys it, they could have a reason to want you dead. I know…I watch too much CSI.
4. Make a will – While we’re on that death subject…don’t avoid it; just do it already.
5. Monthly breast exams – Don’t leave this for your doctor to do once a year; be proactive. Early detection of breast cancer can save your life. Save the boobs!
OK, now for the things that you shouldn’t do yourself.
“Refusing to ask for help when you need it is refusing someone the chance to be helpful.”
˜Rick Ocasek
1. Go alone to a pet store if any of the following apply: 1) You can’t say no to any cute little puppy (or kitty) face; 2) Ferrets make you happy; 3) You always wanted a snake, but your family has repeatedly insisted against such a thing.
2. Self-Chiropractic - You could really hurt yourself in so many ways. I stop at popping my fingers and toes. Leave the rest (your spine and joints) to the professionals.
3. Remove a wasp, hornet, or bee hive – Hello! Stupid is as stupid does! Oh, yeah, don’t ask the man of the house to do it either. There are actually brave,well-equipped people out there who make a living doing this.
4. Pick out anything that your teenage daughter will wear – I consider myself a fairly savvy woman with good taste in clothes and I won’t do this…ever.
5. Throw away anything in the garage that you don’t recognize – They really do have their own sense of organization when it comes to the “I might need that someday” items that look like junk to us. Hint: If you threaten that you are going to clean the garage, he will usually (immediately) respond with “I’ll do it this weekend.”
Well, I hope you enjoyed my hodge-podge of life “should and shouldn’ts”. I’d still like to hear some of yours. Be well.
Photo by Multi Curious
