Apr 29, 2007 | 5:08 pm
Give yourself a break
How have you been doing on accountability? Have you increased you ability to track your accounting of time, money, calories, etc? Are there a few moments that you can shift to do something creative, relaxing, invigorating, or meaningless?
This past week I was sick and didn’t work for several days so I could rest and recover. It was some of the most strenuous time that I’ve spent this year. Why? I haven’t learned to really relax. I’m talking about letting go of the long list of to-dos that I’ve created for myself. I’m talking about letting go of the chattering monkey-mind. I’m talking about being centered, peaceful, calm – 24-7.
Yesterday I took a little cruise to Bainbridge Island, 35 minutes from Seattle. The little town is a tourist favorite so I thought, why not go? From the moment I got off of the very fun ferry trip, I was frustrated by the amount of tourists, the amount things cost, and growth and development. I didn’t enjoy what was there because I expected things to be a certain way.
Expectations can get the best of us, whether we’re expecting ourselves to be perfectly enlightened or expecting a person, place, or animal to be or do something.
“But wait, Joe. Aren’t we supposed to have high expectations? Aren’t we supposed to have standards? Who am I if I’m not a representation of my actions and the people and places I choose to associate with?”
Exactly. Who would you be without those expectations? What would be left? You.
The more you become aware of the expectations that others place on you, you create more opportunities to be yourself. And the more you experience who you truly are, the more chances you have at giving yourself a break.
Homework:
Today I encourage you to choose three things to do for yourself. Only for yourself. Don’t do them because you “should”. Rather, do them because it’s your choice.
Then, write those things down. If it will support you, email those three things to me. I’m asking you to hold yourself accountable here.
Truly Yours,
Joseph