Coffee, Self Care, and Grace
Every morning at 7:00 A.M. I wake up naturally. It is rare if I am able to sleep in unless I am sick. From sun up, to sun down my mind is full of a constant list of what I “have to” get done. I wish I could naturally sleep-in sometimes but that doesn’t happen.
I am trying to learn how to slow down and enjoy my days. Of course there are always going to be the things that have to be done and pets and people to care for; but why not find something in each day to break up the mundane and learn to enjoy it all?
Today was one of those days. I was able to have brunch with an amazing person who has become a new friend. One of those friends that you feel like you’ve been friends forever. We talked for a while about our weeks and how chaotic life can be. As I listened I realized that emotionally many women share one habit we could all improve on.
When something little bugs us, its easy to sweep it under the rug… but how many times do we do that before we realize one little thing becomes many little things suddenly feeling like one HUGE thing? Suddenly someone says something or does something and lights the fuse.
In reflecting on this, I wonder if instead of shoving emotions down until they rupture, how can I be better about expressing them? I have been listening to a lot of podcasts and reading a lot of really good books lately that have really helped me to pause and decide, why does that bug me? Is it something I should let go, or does it really bug me enough to have a conversation.
One book that I have been putting into practice is the “Let Them” theory, by Mel Robbins. You guys! It is a game changer and I highly recommend it. In the last few weeks since reading that book, I have noticed a shift in my own emotions. Yes, things still bug me, and yes sometimes I still react, but I have caught myself so many times saying to myself, “Let them sleep in.” “Let them have clothes on the floor.” “Let them figure it out.”
“Let me do what I can do today.” “Let me enjoy my book.” “Let me spend time with friends.” I have felt so much more relaxed when I practice this. Practice slowing down. Practice giving myself grace for the dishes in the sink. Practice taking time for myself, a break, a resurge of energy before getting back to work.
As my conversation with my friend went on, she reminded me of Grace. It is so easy to over hear a conversation, or see a situation, and instinctively judge. However, you never know a person’s situation, or what they might be going through. Instead of getting “bugged”, step back and pause. What are they going through? What pain are they experiencing?
I left today feeling so uplifted and full. Full emotionally, reenergized. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish when you give yourself Grace!