Where's My Backbone??

So recently I have felt so taken advantage of and used. It's been one of those moments I've wanted to avoid actually acknowledging that this person could actually be like that, but I've finally realized that is just the sad reality. The point of helping others isn't to wait for something to come back in return; I'm well aware of that. However, when all you do is give and give and give and help help help and then you need a favor and it is rejected you start to realize what is going on. The frustration I feel is at a boiling point. However, as I learned before, I control me, you control you. I can't control someone else and their actions or feelings. However, I can stand up for myself and say no. It's time for me to own me and what I do and have done. But it's also time for them to own the choices they made to put them in the situation they are in. I didn't choose the path you're on, and I didn't make the choices you made. So why is it I still feel like it's my duty to help you??? Well, this is it... this was my crumbling point. I've gotten sick of it and worn out of being taken advantage of. A lot of times I think my big heart does nothing but get me in trouble. But I've realized that isn't right. My big heart does exactly what it should... love and care. It's my head that gets me into trouble. Sometimes your head has to tell your heart no. It's time for me to look in the mirror and own me for my failures and my accomplishments and it's time you do the same. However, I have no control over whether you will or not, just that it's something I will finally do. I've tried to teach my children an important lesson of loving unconditionally and helping when people need you. But it's also time I teach them what a backbone is. I will make damn sure I don't raise doormats, a daughter who accepts less than perfect, or sons who think women don't deserve 120%. It is my leading by example that will help mold my children into who they are.... Perhaps it's time I remind myself of what a backbone is....being a doormat has gotten old.