Dictator or doormat

Control is an issue that many of us deal with on a regular basis. We hear of people being referred to as control freaks. These are individuals who feel like they have to manage every detail around them. Their stress levels are incredibly high as they attempt to manipulate everything and everyone around them to be satisfied. Then there are those who allow people to control their lives doing whatever it takes to appease the other person. They have no boundaries and see themselves living a life of servitude to others. Everyone's needs surpass their own. These are examples of control at either end of the continuum. Healthy control is taking responsibility for our lives through our actions that take into consideration the well-being of ourselves and others. We are aware of our motives and relate to others with realistic expectations of what they will do to respond. When we focus on controlling ourselves, the results should elicit feelings of fulfillment and balance. What we are feeling when we are exercising control is an indicator as to where we are on that continuum of dictator to doormat. Where are you on that continuum today?