After a hectic week at work, I entered the weekend feeling worn out and overwhelmed by the tasks that awaited me at home. Since my daughters were with me this weekend, I quickly made the conscious decision to focus on slowing down and being present for both of my daughters and for myself. So, my weekend plans changed from stressing out about all I had to do to calmly deciding what not to do.
For someone as organized and goal-oriented as I tend to be, putting aside of my “To Do” list proved to be more significant than it may seem at first glance. The self-imposed pressure that comes with checking things off of my “To Do” list soon gave way to a more relaxed attitude about the looming tasks, and lo and behold, letting go actually helped me do more in the long run. By choosing not to do things, like obsessively cleaning and re-organizing our home, running errand after errand, and attending to some work projects and tasks while “off the clock”, I had time this weekend to:
- Complete challenging workouts
- Begin both mornings snuggling with my daughters in my bed
- Treat my daughters to a delicious dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants, where we ate, drank, and were merry
- Enjoy a fun celebration with my youngest daughter and her basketball teammates and their parents
- Reach out to new and old friends to catch up and to make plans to get together later this week
- Take more concrete steps toward making a goal of mine become a reality
- Journal
- Make donations to the charities that are near and dear to my heart
As I prepare to begin the week, I am feeling less stressed and less weary, and while it definitely wasn’t the most exciting weekend, it was a mighty fine one indeed. The house still needs to be cleaned, and there are still chores that need to be completed, but I feel like my body, mind, and baby soul were swept clean and renewed, which enabled me to be able to share some kindness with other people in my life. Not a bad weekend at all!
Just one thing each day . . .
Categories: Just One Thing Each Day
That's Another Story 
There is this wonderful feeling of peace that comes over us when we put our ‘to-do’ lists aside and simply embrace what is.
I am so glad you found that place over the weekend. 🙂
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Elizabeth, thanks for understanding exactly where I was coming from, as you are absolutely right! I felt a definite sense of peace and freedom, and it carried over into my day off today. I am still taking care of the things that need to be done, but I also am taking care of myself and others. It feels great!
I hope that all is well on your side of the world and that peace and joy are yours at this moment!
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Tending to our spirits can be so much more important than our to-do lists. Good for you for taking care of yourself….
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Sheila, thanks for understanding and supporting this, as it means a lot. I can put so much pressure on myself sometimes that it is hard for me to take a step back and to let go of the never-ending lists. Sometimes, doing nothing feels great indeed!
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