Let it Flow

I struggled with today’s post. There is so much I want to write about and I was confusing all of the topics. Lots of great starts, nothing completed. Then I ran out of time as there were client appointments, podcasts to create, laundry to fold and cleaning to be done. (My mother-in-law is coming to town tomorrow.) In addition I was hoping to work out, meditate and continue writing. Not to mention when would I have lunch? As I scurried around wondering which task to complete next I felt my mind getting “busy”, my back muscles tighten up, and a feeling of being overwhelmed washed over me.

I stopped, looked at the clock and realized “It’s too much for today. I need to re-prioritize.”

Once I realized I didn’t have to do it all, my mind settled, my back relaxed and I felt more at ease. I had to re-prioritize. Cleaning, lunch and client appointments were non-negotiable. Workouts, writing and meditation were. When I’ve got that much going on meditation helps ground and re-focus me. I sat for 10 minutes, an abridged version, and it helped tremendously. I put writing aside.

I chose not to write because I knew I wouldn’t produce anything of value. By not writing and instead doing some of the other tasks I came up with the idea for this blog post! Rest does me good.

If you’re faced with a to-do list that appears endless and you find yourself wondering what to do next (like I was) consider the following steps (which helped me!):

• Pause – Stop for a moment and think about your own capacity to complete the tasks on your list. Is it possible given time and your own levels of energy?
• Write it down – What were you hoping to get done today? Write it all down.
• Re-prioritize – What NEEDS to get done today? Re-write the list. Choose 2 or 3 things to check off today.
• Communicate – I work for myself so I didn’t have to check in with a boss. But if you’re stressed because of work or family commitments let people know (respectfully) and ask for help with the re-prioritization if necessary. If communication is lacking, work or other responsibilities may keep piling on. It’s ok to let people know you’ve reached your limit for today and ask for help.
• It’s temporary – Just because a task didn’t get done today doesn’t mean it won’t ever get done! It just has a new deadline. I can always write over the weekend after my mother-in-law departs.

It’s so easy to get caught up in thought believing that everything has to get done NOW. The reality is, it doesn’t. That realization was like a weight lifted off my shoulders today.

Tags: Positive Thinking, Stress, Yoga and Meditation //