Productivity vs Guilt
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Hi Reader, Imagine for a second... I just woke up, yet other members of my house have already gone to the gym, put away a load of dishes, and prepared breakfast. Finally, I sit down to eat with a cup of coffee while they run out the door to work before 7 a.m. It's quiet. I am alone. I too, have a full day of work ahead of me. I take a leisurely drink of my coffee and start back upstairs to get ready. Got the visual? After work, I go home. Alone, again. I take a minute to sit on the couch and decompress for the day. A few minutes pass, and in walks the crew, a few grocery bags in hand. In silence, I get up and help bring the rest of it inside. I put it away, and sit back down. All around me...footsteps and to-dos. Dinner is made. I help. Games are played. I join. Soon after, I am tired and tell the household goodnight. I can hear the productivity continue long into the night. Stop for a second. What thoughts came up as you read this recap of the day? (send me an email if you'd like to chat about your thoughts) If you are anything like me a few years ago...the person narrating was viewed as unproductive, maybe even lazy. Immense guilt would boil up anytime they sat down or watched someone around them continue to work, clean, or do household chores. But why? This person also woke up, went to work, prepared meals, played games, and helped with some household tasks. On top of that, they took down time, got sufficient rest, and managed their energy. Over time - I learned... That my energy needs are different. That I don't HAVE to never sit down in order to feel worthy of rest. That there will always be something that needs to be done, and sacrificing leisure or rest only brings more in the morning. That I can take on small things each day, without guilt. That it's okay if I'm metaphorically sitting down while others are up and doing tasks around me. The silence and observation of others "doing more" around me used to consume me with pressure and guilt. Now - I can exist in my own life without placing that invisible weight on my shoulders. Every morning, I get up, and assess my energy levels, my tasks, meetings, and personal goals. I decide on a value of focus. What value do I want to embody to feel "successful" today. Patience? Dedication? Joy? Play? Rest? This is how I learned to release the guilt of unwarranted productivity. I no longer just "do" for the sake of getting it done and checking it off my list. It is freeing. I am fulfilled. And free of the burnout cycle that once plagued me. What do you NEED today? Be well, my friend! |
