I was racing around, grousing about my lengthy to-do list, grumbling that I had too much to get done in the little time I had allotted. I was feeling overwhelmed. My husband is handy and helpful. But on this occasion, he simply sat in his chair, watching me run from one task to the next, listening to me complain.
Suddenly, he asked me in a quiet voice why I was putting myself through such angst, especially when I had intentionally divested myself of many of my previous commitments and obligations so that I could have more time to simply be and enjoy life.
His question stopped me cold. Why was I putting myself through such torment over such small and insignificant concerns? How had having just a few responsibilities tilted to having too many? Why did I expect so much of myself? Why did I allow for my to-do list to get so long? What impossible perfection was I seeking?
As I replayed my husband's question over in my mind, I realized that I had been piling an unrealistic number of tasks onto each of my days, hurrying from one task to the next to the next without enjoying any single one of them, without giving any particular attention to anything.
I looked at my to-do list, crossed off some items that just didn't need to be done period, moved others to future days that didn't have anything listed so far, delegated where appropriate and let go of fruitless expectations.
I started focusing on having no more than five things on my daily to-do list. I prioritized them. Consequently, I made my anxiety-inducing calendar more manageable.
Instead of succumbing to the din of busyness, I became more quiet, centered and mindful of what I realistically felt I could get done in my day.
The weeks between Thanksgiving and the end of the year can be hectic. Are you feeling overwhelmed these days? How might you reduce those feelings?
Our days are meant to be enjoyed. Take a deep breath of peace, set realistic expectations for yourself and feel the joy of the season.
I had the pleasure of hearing a speaker recently who not only motivated his audience, he inspired them to think about their lives and to do something tangible that will make a difference. John O'Leary suffered burns over his entire body as a child, was not expected to live, yet not only lives, he thrives. Today, the happily married father of four from St. Louis shares his message of courage, patience and joy with audiences who walk away completely awestruck and ready to take on the world with gusto and gratitude. One of John's questions of the audience was "What more can I do?" The question was not asked out of hopelessness or exhaustion, but of hope and creativity. I would add, "If not now, when?" How am I being called to serve, to use my passions and talents in service to others? And when I hear the call, will I respond right now? For if not now, when?
My friend Marianne recently loaned me One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. The book has inspired my thinking about living fully with love and joy and respecting each moment with my full attention. The book has especially prompted thoughts about how to be grateful for everything, even those things I don't want, such as illness or losing a loved one. And then I suddenly remembered how my friend Mary had pressed a small brass leaf engraved with the message "Give Thanks" into my hand as my Mom was dying. As she placed the leaf into my hand, she told me to give thanks for my wonderful mom and for all of the great times I had enjoyed with her. That was it! I had faced something I had not wanted to face, yet Mary had urged me to give thanks. Today, I give thanks for the wisdom, friendship and generosity of Mary and Marianne. And I give thanks for my many blessings -- even those things I don't want.
