I went on a retreat last week. The goal was to get some writing done, do some brainstorming, and to follow through with my simplify my new year plan.
I didn't accomplish as much as I'd hoped, but I did get a lot done. I can't help but be disappointed in feeling like I could have and should have done more. For me, the worst part is coming home to a messy house and jumping back in to the fray of busy family life.
Typically, when I return from a trip, I need a day or two just to sleep it off. I thought that was because conferences keep me so busy, but even after this relaxing trip, I still needed a day to sleep. While I haven't quite slept as much as I usually do, I realized something important about me and my body rhythms. I need to accept that I need more sleep than I think I do. I also need to accept that I can't always do everything on my to do list in my timing.
The more I think about my simplification plan, the more I am realizing that a large part of simplifying is accepting. Accepting myself, my body, my needs, and rather than fighting it, to let it be what it is. Some people would find this to be counter to what they are told all their lives. As a recovering overachiever, it definitely rings somewhat false with what has been programmed in my brain for so long. But as someone who simply wants to sit back and listen to what the world is telling me, I know it is needed advice.
At some point, I may choose to jump back in to the rat race, but for now, it is enough for me to sit back and accept that I am not superwoman and I can't do everything. I don't have to do everything. I can rest when I need to, and the world will not fall apart.
Admittedly, I still have far to go in learning my limitations. In accepting myself for what I can do, and forgiving myself for what I do not.
What limitations do you need to learn to accept?
5 comments:
I love this. *exhale* You don't need to be superwoman. You're fabulous, even without all the "doing."
Thanks Michele. I learned all I know about simplification from you. :)Patricia, I've had to learn that lesson too. Especially as the kids enter new seasons, I have to adjust mine.
Great question! Right now my limitations have to do with marketing and pushing myself to do more when all I want to do is NOTHING! Guess there has to be a happy balance somewhere. I'm still looking for it.
Great post and it's something you have to reevaluate from time to time. I've recently been coming to accept that I need to slow down, even thought it's hard to do for me.
Gina, I think learning the happy balance takes time... and then something comes in to mess it up!Writerdd, I feel your pain! I'm having to accept the same thing, and it's hard!
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