Obviously there are plenty of things that we could stand to do less of in a day. What I’m talking about today is stopping the busyness habit. You know what I mean, that compulsion to do more, do better and do it in a way that makes it look easy. In today’s world, we all have it (or so it would seem), and we all seem to just think it’s normal, just the way things are.
Here’s the thing … it’s not serving us. And it’s not like that is news. We all know it, deep down inside, that this is not working. But we keep doing it. Almost like our To Do list and keeping up to date on it, and being on top of our email is the new “keeping up with the Jones’ “. Comparing our inbox count and bemoaning how long our list is has become a point of bonding. And when that happens, our Hyper-Achieving saboteur has stolen the show, and made off with the real prize … our peace of mind.
And I get that we need to do what needs to be done. And if we don’t at least try to stay on top of the inbox that the ambush of emails can paralyse us … but we need to stop.
Maybe not forever, but at the very least … we need a break.
That is what I’m doing. For the first time in 3.5 years I am taking a proper vacation. A proper vacation, not one where I am still doing work, and taking care of other people and worrying about details. Nope. Not this time.
I am going on a Sacred Pause. A Return to Grace.
Photo Source: http://sherecovers.co
I am going to allow myself to be taken care of. I am going to do what moves me, what seems fun in the moment. I am going to let ease guide my decisions and shape my day. In the company of 24 women, I am going to do yoga twice a day, eat 3 organic, gourmet meals, get massages, walk on the beach and commune with my highest self! And I know that out of that, will come magic. A special kind of magic. The kind that can’t and doesn’t come from working hard, from stressing about the small stuff and caring what people think of how “active” I am.
And just in case you think this is easy for me, think again. Even the act of committing to this event was a huge deal for me, lots of weighing the pros and cons, wondering if turning down the work and opportunities during this time would be worth it. Culminating in a big ritual where I chose self care and honouring my future calling over being busy and coming from fear.
So here is my request of you … sometime this week, take the time to do some act of self care that you wouldn’t have normally done. Honour yourself and what you need over the needs of someone else. Make yourself a priority. And let me know what you did, because doing that, prioritizing your own self is a big deal and needs to be recognized!
Signy … you brought a smile to my face when I read this … enjoy a well deserved vacation!
Hooray for you Signy! Sounds like bliss and very well-deserved. It is inspiring to see you practice what you are putting out into the world.
It was a special time. And what better place to lead by example!
Hi Signy,
Ah, one of the biggest challenges of high performing and driven people–slowing down. And even more challenging–looking after ourselves.
I had retina surgery five weeks ago. I friend this week told me that I would have more compassion, tolerance, and patience with any friend of mine who had gone through the same thing, than I do with myself. My truth is that I still need lots of healing, rest, and letting go of all the other expectations I have of myself. My challenge is living that truth.
Congratulations on the STOP. Look after yourself. Enjoy.
Cheers,
David
Yes, David, I can see you are cut from the same cloth as me. So go easy on yourself and recover properly. We are no good to anyone when we don’t take care of ourselves!
Hey Signy…Hope you’re well. Just a note to say…You are inspiring.
Awwh shucks! That means so much coming from you Justin. Looking forward to connecting soon.