Yes, you read that right. I am encouraging you to goof off. To not get things done. To let go of your schedule, your have to’s, your shoulds. I’m not only encouraging you…I dare you!
If that thought makes you all queasy, sweaty and light-headed, hear me out.
Because that’s how I used to operate, so I know the compulsion. The not feeling good enough if you don’t do enough. The drive to get it all done so you can finally relax and enjoy your life.
It is exhausting. And it’s a lie. You will never get everything done. Ever.
The more I focus on letting myself off the hook, the better I get at doing what feels good to me. It still doesn’t come easily. Even though I enjoyed my lazy weekend, I notice I’m feeling that ‘morning after’ regret. As I sit here contemplating the week ahead, my mind chatter shifts into overdrive.
“You didn’t get anything done. What a waste of time. You had all this time off work and you didn’t cross one thing off your To Do list. What were you thinking?”
Good lord! Enough already!
So today, instead of focusing on everything I ‘should’ have done, I made a list of everything I did that I enjoyed:
- Read an entire book cover to cover
- Watched sappy, heartwarming Christmas movies on Lifetime and Hallmark channels
- Slept in
- Sat on my couch, wrapped in a blanket, enjoying my morning coffee
- Baked a chocolate cake…just for me
- Had two great coaching calls
- Daydreamed
- Looked at all the cool stuff you guys have posted on Facebook recently
- Watched a video of Elizabeth Gilbert’s talk at O Magazine’s 10th anniversary
- Listened to some of John Mayer’s new songs
- Watched an inspiring video about a roadtrip taken by two brothers after their mom passed away
- Napped
- Read several blogs
No, I didn’t get my Christmas decorations put up, or my weekly grocery shopping done. I didn’t do the laundry, pay the bills, or clean the house. And that’s okay. I’ve discovered that everything gets done that needs to get done.
I’m learning to strike a balance between planning for the future and living for today. Tomorrow I can get back to my To Do list if I choose. But for now I’m headed back to my couch with the remote in hand and a big piece of chocolate cake. I’m sure there are some sappy Christmas movies that need my immediate attention.
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On Becoming Me 