Try this: Say to yourself, "This is my life and I'm going to play the leading role in my life -- not a bit part."

Whatever the dilemma is, you can work it out. Sit down with a pad and a pencil, take a few deep breaths, and just brainstorm ideas. Setting aside time specifically for the issue at hand can help remove the emotional content and turn it into a problem to be solved rather than something consuming your life.

This is your life. You are not here on earth to live up to someone else's expectations.