In regards to number two, I have found for myself that it isn't necessary for everyone to like me, nor is it necessary for me to like everyone.  Growing spiritually for me means that I can say "no" while also learning when the right time to say "yes" can be.  I don't have to be a doormat for anyone but I can also appreciate that sometimes it's ok to both help others and sometimes ask for help.  I used to see weakness in eliciting the help of other people but now I am able to see that where loyalty is earned it can be a valuable tool in life.

Knowing your limits is one of the best skills one can acquire, I think. I know, too well, the feeling of breaking from the weight... It is not pleasant, and can truly set one backwards.

Sounds like your path has treated you well :) I think the lessons we learn magically apply to mundane life in every way, honestly. The two facets of our life transpose one another, and while we must tease out the differences to better learn them, it is a good reminder to see them function as one.

In regards to number two, I have found for myself that it isn't necessary for everyone to like me, nor is it necessary for me to like everyone.  Growing spiritually for me means that I can say "no" while also learning when the right time to say "yes" can be.  I don't have to be a doormat for anyone but I can also appreciate that sometimes it's ok to both help others and sometimes ask for help.  I used to see weakness in eliciting the help of other people but now I am able to see that where loyalty is earned it can be a valuable tool in life.

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Growing older has revealed to me that having difficulty in not saying "no" (when it's appropriate to do so) can be far more complicated than having a doormat complex.  Eight years ago, I cleansed my life of the users who constantly took advantage of me, and since then have been very picky about who I let into my life.  As a result, nearly everyone in both my inner and outer circles have a degree of integrity and character that you don't find in the average person.  

The people I've chosen to help over the past few years have been extraordinarily conscientious about not only accepting my help, but also perform frequent "status checks" on me to make sure I'm not getting overwhelmed- and they compensate me in some way for my troubles, which is something I'm still getting accustomed to.

So for the past while, not saying "no" has been completely my fault.  I placed too much of my self-worth on altruistic and sacrificial acts.  I wasn't honest with myself, and others, when I took on new responsibilities.  I am absolutely convinced that the Lessons learned from my Path recently is the reason why I'm finally accepting this flaw at this particular time.  (I do think I would have "gotten it" eventually, but many more years down the road after a lot more heartache.)

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Knowing your limits is one of the best skills one can acquire, I think. I know, too well, the feeling of breaking from the weight... It is not pleasant, and can truly set one backwards.

 

Sounds like your path has treated you well :smile: I think the lessons we learn magically apply to mundane life in every way, honestly. The two facets of our life transpose one another, and while we must tease out the differences to better learn them, it is a good reminder to see them function as one.

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It's hard to accept limits.  I've always been a Type-A overachiever, and to admit "I shouldn't do <insert obligation here> this because <insert reason here>" was really hard at first, but now it's one of the most spiritually liberating events in my life.  

I appreciate your perspective on the dual facets of being a witch.  My goal, however, is for that distinct transposition to instead become an artful blending- "function as one" as you put it.  The process will take a while, but I'm okay with that- patience and temperance are another two things that I've always needed, but just recently acquired (again, thanks to my Path).