UH OH! Where Did January Go?
Can you say Pffffffft?
As I was writing a check today, it occurred to me that this month is outta here. And where was I? What have I gotten done? How many pounds down……am I…..on that tried and true new year’s resolution to suck it up, pull it in and slide back into my smaller jeans? I’ll jump on the scale later—-my husband and I are on our way out for some Mexican food. I would say “fat chance” that the scale will tell a tinier tale—-but sometimes I can’t even laugh at my own puns.
I was also reminded of a story about my niece.
Years ago, I had called Kristi on her birthday. She was turning six, as I remember it now. When she answered the phone, she sounded distressed—-not what I expected—thinking her usual bubbly self would be even more effervescent with birthday celebrations. So, when I asked her what was wrong—-instead of celebrating, she was berating……she said….”Oh, Aunt Peggy, I am all ready six years old and there is SO MUCH that I haven’t done yet !”
I laughed out loud, but at the same time it registered deeply with me that she was truly anxious about her lack of achievement at six!
So, I just wonder today, as I was automatically admonishing myself about all the things I have not done yet—– where, when and how performance anxiety gets started. When does the “bar” insert itself into our lives? And, what does, “keeping score” do for our self esteem? What kind of competition does it create at the core of our relationships? Trophies and ribbons and resumes are our way of life where the focus is on the prize or the marquee value of our latest and greatest accomplishment. I think a lot of us stay “tired but wired” in this way of life, too. Being aware of this insidious filter on our lives can help us get things into perspective and “pull the plug” on this kind of thinking.
So, it’s the end of January. Big deal.
What’s true for you?
categories: EVERY DAY LESSONS & BLESSINGS
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I absolutely agree with you. It is difficult to stay centered in this world where everything else is screaming louder for attention than our internal voice. We have trained ourselves to make “To Do” lists so that we have footprints we can use to reassure ourselves that we are moving forward. But living deeply by observing a tree speaking in the breeze may have the appearance of standing still in this world where the pace our endeavors are measured in Moore’s law. A day of purposeful peace is one antidote.
I just Tweeted this latest Blog Post. It’s terrific..as always. You always seem to express my thoughts so beautifully.
Would you please take over Oprah’s Time Slot on TV? C’mon Peggy. The world needs you!!!!
xx.jane
First let me say that you are the kind of women that takes one’s breath away. You are beautiful and your insides make that external beauty glow a bit.
The other day I said out loud to no one, “It is 10:00 a.m. and I am going to watch the VIEW, eat that slice of apple pie I saved for my husband and brew a fresh pot of coffee.” No one disagreed with me…not even me. I realized it had been about 2 years since I actually sat down in the middle of the day to do NOTHING. I loved it! I am trying to figure out how to re-create my New Year’s resolution and exchange weight loss and general organization for rest, relaxation and MORE PIE.
Hi Peggy,
I love your thoughts about “To Do” lists and keeping score. I asked my friend who is a psychiatrist if she knew one person whose life turned out as planned. Not one.
At the end of a month, or the end of a life, the only things that matters is the love shared.
Make you first action step for the next month to hug your husband. I’ll follow Jackie’s advice a take “a day of purposeful peace.”
Joy~
Jeanette
Amen to that “Sister”. Life is short and there is not nearly enough dark chocolate or laughter. You always make me laugh—and, think afterwards. Chocolate and Laughter. The cure for everything. E