Now these cats know how to relax.
Geez, I’m tired. What about you? Have you ever had a week where everything seems overwhelming? That’s my week. Every time I turn around, I’m rushing off to the next thing.
I did this complete overwhelm to myself just as you do it to yourself too. I scheduled lots of events and fun things that packed my days. Have I enjoyed them? Mostly yes. Sometimes I was so anxious about the next thing that I didn’t enjoy what I was doing in the moment. That’s not what I want.
Here’s the weird thing that I just can’t seem to get my head around. I feel resentful that all my time is being taken over by these things I schedule myself to do. How nuts is that?
I don’t really need to do all these wonderful things. No. I could sit on the couch eating bon-bons and watching Bad Sisters. But I’m like one of those nervous, yappy little dogs who want to go on a walk every half hour. I feel like there’s so much fun stuff to do that I shouldn’t waste any time or miss anything. I’m not getting any younger I tell myself. But I’m exhausted.
I’ve resolved to take some time during the day to rest and read. This isn’t going to be easy. I could schedule some down time but that seems too rigid to me. I’ve started resting a little more today. That’s because yesterday everything I did waived a huge sign for me to relax a little for heaven’s sake.
At the gym, my friend and I had a great conversation. But afterward I felt I’d be late to my painting circle. “Slow down and enjoy,” I told myself as I ordered a Grande decaf latte. And who should be my barista but someone I hadn’t seen in almost a year. We hugged and chatted. Now I knew I’d really be late.
“Shut up, pushy conscious,” I mumbled as I left Starbucks. “I’m slowing down. Deal with it.” Low caffeine in hand, I headed to my painting circle. They didn’t even notice I was late. We pulled out our brushes to do a little painting and soon I relaxed and didn’t want to stop. But I needed lunch before heading to the studio to review some of the band’s recent cuts.
I met up with my gym pal and we ate lunch outdoors in the sun. It was lovely and peaceful. I felt myself trying to wind up some anxiety for the studio only to hear my inner voice whisper, “Slow down, breathe, be in the moment and enjoy this beautiful day.
Off I went to the studio which is an exercise in patience, quality listening, and negotiation. It went well. Finally, it was time to head home to make dinner and relax from the day. I think the lesson for me and maybe for you too, is to be consciously aware that we’re not Superwoman or Superman. We don’t have to act like what we do contributes saving the world today. If we relax, breathe and enjoy the present, we might even make it to the future with joy and a level head.
Let’s make a pact not to schedule ourselves to death. Deal?
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