Users.

Dr. Phil once said "there is no virtue in allowing toxic behavior". It got me thinking about when people take advantage of other people and call it asking for "favors", and the person who thinks that they are doing good ends up being blindly taken advantage of. When you think that putting up with someone's outrageous behavior will earn you good karma you are not only enabling them, but you are disabling yourself. That means you are allowing people to use you, and that is not a commendable act. I'm not talking about lending ten dollars here or picking someone up from work a few times there. I mean if you "helping" someone leads to a negative impact on either them or you. Even if they are family, don't feel obligated to do it. It's ok to just say no sometimes, especially if it's something that's out of your character. Below are some guidelines that I personally follow when it comes to determining if what I'm doing for someone is virtuous or detrimental.

• Don't lend out money to friends if you cannot afford for them NOT to pay you back
• If it could lead to time in jail then I'd advise on not doing it.
• If the person won't reciprocate the favor then you should not try to justify helping them out.
• If they say it's a one time thing (i.e, borrowing money) and they keep coming back for more, then thats a red flag for them taking advantage of you.
• Don't do anything that will put more stress on you.
• Don't do anything that would compromise your character.
• Trust the company you keep and trust yourself. If either one of those is missing in the situation then take heed and listen to your conscience. 

Take everything by a case by case basis. Some situations are difficult to handle, and things are not always either black or white. However, it is your responsibility to be the voice of reason if someone is asking for something from you.

Action.

I read somewhere recently that "a plan without action is just a thought". I had one of those awesome life changing epiphanies (yes, I'm talking mouth opened and starry eyes. The whole shebang), and I realized that thinking about something isn't going to get me the desires of my heart. Planning is the first step and action, the most difficult, is the necessary second step. I believe that is where a lot of people, who don't reach their goals, go wrong. It kind of knocked some sense into me. Yes, it was something that I already knew; however, the importance of it didn't click until I read that phrase. So now I am more aware of myself either taking action on fulfilling my goals or being stuck in the planning phase. I can't speak for everyone, but for me, taking that next step is quite scary, especially if you're not sure of yourself. Nevertheless, don't let fear of the unknown and uncertainty hold you back from reaching your full potential. Now it's off to work I go. Have the most amazing and productive day possible Night Crawlers!

Choices.

You know that feeling you get when you are working out really hard and you want to quit but you keep pushing yourself? You feel a feeling of pride and accomplishment all because YOU decided that you were going to push through the exhaustion and pain. Making little, conscious decisions like putting on your workout gear, going to the gym, and moving your body all lead up to one big finale, a better body. Let's see what could happen if we applied those principles to whatever we're trying to accomplish.

As you probably have figured out by now a great looking body doesn't just appear overnight. Even if you were born with good genes, as you get older you will have to work to maintain it. The same thing is true with your non-physical goals. Do you want an awesome career? Well then expect to work some less than desirable jobs to fill your resume. Do you want to fall in love and find "the one"? You may have to kiss a lot of frogs/ratchets before you find your prince/princess. However, after all is said and done, the choices that you have made, good or bad, will decide if you are going to reach your goals. The worst thing you could do is not make a choice and just stay still while life passes you by. Don't be afraid to pursue your dreams. Sacrifice might become a close acquaintance along the way, but, eventually, reward will become your best friend.                                                                    

We're Back!

After a brief hiatus The Sleep is 4 Suckers blog is back and in action!

Life has many ups and downs, and there may be times when you just need to get away from it all in order to receive clarity. Never be ashamed of taking a time out to get your life together and to turn your insanity back into the sane and serene place it once was. A journey is never complete without pit stop, but don't stay too long. Get back on the road and keep driving until you can't drive anymore.

This week will be full of uplifting motivation, so don't be a stranger to the Sleep is 4 Suckers blog; in fact, spread the word and tell a friend to tell a friend!