Just say "NO!"
Maybe it’s because it’s my daughter’s 2nd day of school, maybe it’s because I’ve had some much-needed family time lately... I had an ‘aha’ moment today. I arrived home and was about to start making supper when I realized what a perfect day it’s been. In a nut-shell... no rushing.
Maybe my standards have been too high, in the past, for some areas and not high enough in others. I expected that the house was cleaned (including the bathroom) three times per week, garbage gathered and outside twice a week, work and gym time 3 days a week...bla bla bla. Other things then suffered. It was a constant battle to try to have more ME time, time alone, meditation time, yoga time, time to try to quiet my mind. I would be tense that the house wasn’t clean enough for me, that I didn’t get enough time for this, that and the other thing. Tense, annoyed, frustrated, lacking joy. Generally lacking balance.
So, here’s where the ‘aha’ moment came in. I noticed how happy I’ve been the past few days. My living room has filthy carpets but I’m relaxed. I’ve only been working 2 days per week but I feel joyful. I’ve been late with my writing but feeling aligned. Why not lower my standards on cleaning and raise my standards on my happiness?! A house can be super-duper clean but if you are tense and angry with loved ones what’s the point?! All that really matters is that YOU are happy.
Maybe my standards have been too high, in the past, for some areas and not high enough in others. I expected that the house was cleaned (including the bathroom) three times per week, garbage gathered and outside twice a week, work and gym time 3 days a week...bla bla bla. Other things then suffered. It was a constant battle to try to have more ME time, time alone, meditation time, yoga time, time to try to quiet my mind. I would be tense that the house wasn’t clean enough for me, that I didn’t get enough time for this, that and the other thing. Tense, annoyed, frustrated, lacking joy. Generally lacking balance.
So, here’s where the ‘aha’ moment came in. I noticed how happy I’ve been the past few days. My living room has filthy carpets but I’m relaxed. I’ve only been working 2 days per week but I feel joyful. I’ve been late with my writing but feeling aligned. Why not lower my standards on cleaning and raise my standards on my happiness?! A house can be super-duper clean but if you are tense and angry with loved ones what’s the point?! All that really matters is that YOU are happy.
How have I been affected by this newest ‘aha’ moment? If the house gets cleaned, great, if not... oh well. Same as my writing. Who do I have to answer to if my blog gets out on Tuesdays instead of Mondays? Nobody. It’s really a relief! No pressure. What if I did have someone to answer to? My first priority is to be happy and after that, as long as I do my best, that is their problem! Happiness really IS a personal choice. Choose what you love first. Personally, I love relaxation. No more taking on too much. New motto... “just say no”!!
(c) 2007-2010 www.kimbelangermills.com All rights reserved.
Comments
Post a Comment