Your post got me to thinking, and I would like to share.
Years ago, when speaking with a mentor at work, who was about 10 years older and 10 years wiser than me, I shared that I felt like I was suffocating; my life (like that of many) was a constant cycle of work outside the home, work at home, rarely taking time for me, thinking that that was exactly what I was supposed to do; that it would make me a good mom and wife.
My mentor asked me if I had friends or activities and I told her I did not have time to indulge; she strongly suggested that my approach of isolating myself would catch up with me. At that time, I didn't take her so seriously; years later, I realized she was absolutely correct.
Once I finally believed I could make a change, it took me a long time to reverse the process - with my family, whom I had indulged that way, and with myself, being so convinced I could survive without time for myself; big misconception on my part.
I feel more balanced now that I have/make time for myself; I get the feeling my family is happier, too.
