It is enough
I often feel a relentless need to always "do" in order to prove my value to myself and others.
For the past 2 weeks, what started out as a 2 to 3-day transformation of my son's bedroom for his 17th birthday has turned into an ongoing daily project of repainting, clearing out, and general DIY. With each change I made, I saw more things that needed fixing, cleaning, and improving.
And I had to do them - all of them.
No one was expecting this of me. No one required this of me. No one other than my family would see what had been done.
Sticking to the original plan would have been enough. The trim had not yellowed that much, the books in the spare bedroom did not need to be cleared out, and the supplies that my husband uses for his hobby did not need to be organised.
As I write today, I have put down my screwdriver, hammer and paintbrushes and finally allowed what I have done to be enough.
Something to think about
It can be easy to fall into the trap of feeling a relentless need to achieve. But know that you are not falling behind or failing if you are not always doing.
Whatever you do today is enough.
Something to answer
Where in your life do you feel you have to do more or be more?
What would be "enough?"
If you struggle with the previous question, if your dearest friend were to do what you are doing, what would you advise them is enough?
Something to do:
As you consider what you will do (or even in the middle of doing it):
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
Ask your mind, body, heart and soul what is enough, taking into account the time and energy available to you.
Know that no matter how much you do, it is not a measure of your worth. You are enough.
In response to the last newsletter
The last newsletter was about containers, and Sara shared:
This message was particularly timely as I'm sitting down to plan my week. I already know some things that need containers. I'm usually good about putting them in there, but this is a phase of the year where I really need to be intentional, or they will get squeezed out.
What a great reminder that creating those containers and sticking to them is not always easy, particularly if "enough" is a challenge.
As always, I invite you to reply to this email with your insights and observations.
Let me know if I can include them in next week's newsletter and if you’d prefer to remain anonymous.