Day 333 of 365 - Change is the Only Constant
Here we are at the beginning of another school year for parents and teachers (where I live anyway). Even if you are not in one of those roles, of teaching students or being one, this time of year tends to push us all back into productivity mode. That's true for us retirees as well, as it's just a generalized energy in our culture.
As much as I love the idea of learning new things, making lists and getting things done, I find myself feeling a certain level of resistance towards this pervasive but subtle demand that we get back to striving for perfection, in whatever phase of life we find ourselves. When I get hooked on that, I find myself comparing my progress to others and maybe not feeling like I'm 'doing enough'. You can choose just about any category to assess, whether it's work, health, relationships, family, spirituality or even hobbies.
What I want to point to here, is something similar that came up in a few things I've read just today. I now pay attention when I become aware of that, as it's telling me that it's a pertinent message. That message is not to forget self-care and not to discredit all that you've done in your life so far. When we get on the hamster wheel of life with it's sense of continual striving and never arriving, we can fail to appreciate how far we have truly come.
The fact that we are all still here is proof that we are survivors. But, nobody wants to remain in survival mode all the time. When we are always checking how we are measuring up with whatever latest trend, or even how many things we have ticked on our to do list, we are constantly on edge.
There's nothing wrong with a feeling of discomfort nudging us toward some necessary change. However, before we rush into the next thing, it's wise to pause and take stock of how we are feeling. Life is meant to be lived in balance, in waves of activity and rest, ups and downs. Continual rushing and striving leads us on a steep incline of climbing instead of the balancing flow of waves.
To this end, as we start a new season of productivity, don't forget to give your own self care priority as part of your plans. Spending time getting in touch with your body, your thoughts and your emotions is never wasted time. By allowing ourselves moments to just feel what we feel, we give ourselves permission to reset our nervous system and perhaps change our perspective. Also, take time to remember all that you have done 'right' in getting to where you are now.
There is a constant coming and going of energy in our lives. Change is a given. We do have choices though as to how we use our life energy, to how we provide service in our world. Self care is one of those choices. Make sure to put that on your September to do list too.
Someone shared this on social media today: Instead of focusing so much on a To Do list, I'm starting a To Be list. Things I Want To Be: happy, calm, loving, healthy, awesome.
Point taken.
As much as I love the idea of learning new things, making lists and getting things done, I find myself feeling a certain level of resistance towards this pervasive but subtle demand that we get back to striving for perfection, in whatever phase of life we find ourselves. When I get hooked on that, I find myself comparing my progress to others and maybe not feeling like I'm 'doing enough'. You can choose just about any category to assess, whether it's work, health, relationships, family, spirituality or even hobbies.
What I want to point to here, is something similar that came up in a few things I've read just today. I now pay attention when I become aware of that, as it's telling me that it's a pertinent message. That message is not to forget self-care and not to discredit all that you've done in your life so far. When we get on the hamster wheel of life with it's sense of continual striving and never arriving, we can fail to appreciate how far we have truly come.
The fact that we are all still here is proof that we are survivors. But, nobody wants to remain in survival mode all the time. When we are always checking how we are measuring up with whatever latest trend, or even how many things we have ticked on our to do list, we are constantly on edge.
There's nothing wrong with a feeling of discomfort nudging us toward some necessary change. However, before we rush into the next thing, it's wise to pause and take stock of how we are feeling. Life is meant to be lived in balance, in waves of activity and rest, ups and downs. Continual rushing and striving leads us on a steep incline of climbing instead of the balancing flow of waves.
To this end, as we start a new season of productivity, don't forget to give your own self care priority as part of your plans. Spending time getting in touch with your body, your thoughts and your emotions is never wasted time. By allowing ourselves moments to just feel what we feel, we give ourselves permission to reset our nervous system and perhaps change our perspective. Also, take time to remember all that you have done 'right' in getting to where you are now.
There is a constant coming and going of energy in our lives. Change is a given. We do have choices though as to how we use our life energy, to how we provide service in our world. Self care is one of those choices. Make sure to put that on your September to do list too.
Someone shared this on social media today: Instead of focusing so much on a To Do list, I'm starting a To Be list. Things I Want To Be: happy, calm, loving, healthy, awesome.
Point taken.
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