It's time to get real about what we think we are here to do. I see productivity tools everywhere. Productivity coaches, planners, habit trackers, phone apps, do more with less, act now, not enough time messages everywhere. We are overscheduled, overcommitted, sleep deprived people and wonder why we are numbing, getting burnt out, and wanting to just escape from it all. The rat race, the corporate climate, the family with kid's activities everyday. Just look around you see that we as a culture value being busy over protecting our energy and listening to what our body is telling us.
I am guilty! I have done this for many years. I have ignored my body thinking that my mind knows better than my body...the truth is that our bodies are the source of our intuitive navigation systems. Our bodies carry wisdom and connection to the world around us. We are so busy trying to earn our keep, bring value by doing more, earning love through what we do or give to others that it becomes toxic. The stress level increases, the ability to rest gets lost, the nutritious choices for feeding our bodies takes a backseat to eating take out or food that comes out of a box. Being bored is no longer a viable option.
Society defines success as having the house, the car, the vacations, the job title, the bank account full of money, smaller clothing sizes, etc. The only problem is that we work so hard to get there and once we are there, it really isn't bringing the happiness. It looks good on the outside yet feels terrible on the inside. It ends up costing us relationships with our families, friends, and having to miss events that we didn't want to miss having deadlines or other commitments double and triple booked.
Is it all worth it? My experience says "No!" I found myself with a life I didn't find much meaning in. It was the same thing over and over, too much obligation and not enough soul feeding. I found myself running on empty, in debt, and not even liking who I had become to try to fit in. I am still fighting the urge to fill my day with tasks to feel productive. The never ending To-Do list was how I felt I was earning my keep. It was the only way I could find satisfaction of time well spent. I forgot how to play. I forgot how to slow down and see the beauty of living. I forgot how to nourish my body, mind, and soul. I forgot how to listen to the inner whispers that gave me direction. I forgot how to feel worthy by just being.
I am now trying to heal this addiction to doing. It's easy to fall back into old habits. Now, when I notice what I am doing, I stop. I take a break from the busy. I lay down. I read. I put headphones on and meditate or listen to sound healing. I journal. I interrupt the pattern of doing to bring in more harmony with being present in the now. It is a practice and I am still learning to do what feels aligned versus pleasing someone else's desires or out of obligation. I am saying "No" when it isn't for me and I am only saying yes, when it is a clear yes and my energy can support the yes. Since I have started practicing slowing down, I have had so many new insights and revelations. I have learned how to listen to my body better. I have found a sense of peacefulness that is available now. I have begun to surrender to a plan that is bigger than myself.
I have changed my definition of success to being present in the moment and experiencing peace within the cells of my body. The more I can do this, the more successful I become. SCREW all that other shit! It's time to take back being a whole and complete human being. Our families, communities, and organizations deserve to have us thriving again.
Join me in slowing down and knowing that you are valuable just for being you!