I don't think the problem is overcommitting, or wanting to be a people pleaser, or being a volunteraholic. The real issue is having a passion for too many things, the yearning to learn, and to be part of something important.
You see this happen a lot with retirees. They no longer have the responsibility of family, or careers that consume every waking hour. They now have time and opportunity to explore and focus on what they want to do.
Before we know it though, we've said 'yes' to too many things and our precious time is gone. We've started a new career - being a volunteer. A career that is more time-consuming, and sometimes more stressful, than working a full-time job and having a family.
How do we find balance? How do we fulfill that yearning to be part of something? We prioritize, and we learn to say, "No." We did it when we were two, so it shouldn't be hard to learn again.
We take back our time, our life and we find balance once more. Otherwise, before you know it, you have given too much of yourself away.
For some it is hard to say, "no," so instead, say, "yes" to yourself first.
