Although I didn’t post about Me Time last Friday, I have been thinking about this topic a lot since Michelle first mentioned it.
This is definitely an area that is difficult for me, partly because of all that needs to be taken care of in my life, but also because of my perfectionist tendencies. I read a quote recently that goes to the heart of the matter:
Remember that fear always lurks behind perfectionism. Confronting your fears and allowing yourself the right to be human can, paradoxically, make you a far happier and more productive person. –Dr. David M. Burns
Wow, easier said than done! I usually think and rethink everything so much that I either don’t get started or it takes me 10 times as long as it should. Even hobbies that start out as fun and relaxing can become burdensome. I start out enjoying learning about something new and gradually begin to place expectations on myself to be productive and to meet some level of expertise, even though those aren’t the reasons I wanted or needed to engage in the activity.
I can also tell that lately I have let myself become very drained, and it is hard to have anything to give others, or even myself, at that point. Even time alone, which my husband so wonderfully gave me last weekend by taking Michael to Grandma and Grandpa’s house, is hard to enjoy because I feel that I need to accomplish a lot, or at least be totally refreshed and ready to jump back in upon their return. Ugh!
So, what is the answer? Well, I don’t want to say I’ll work on it, because then I will just be giving myself a whole new list of things to do, but I will say that I will try to be more aware of when I am doing this to myself and remind myself to relax and enjoy the moment.
And if you see me stressing out, feel free to remind me too.
Trish can be found writing here at 5MFSN every Friday in addition to hosting Try This Tuesday. You can also find Trish at her blog, Another Piece of the Puzzle.