Let's Have an Honest Chat

Good Morning!

A lot has changed since we last spoke here. In August, I started the Part-time MBA program at Temple, taking classes two nights a week. I underestimated the impact adding school would have on my daily life. In no way I thought it would be easy, but I did think it would be a quick adjustment. I am always thinking about what I have to do for any given week. Usually, it’s accounting homework which takes a solid chuck of time outside of class with weekly assignments due by Friday. This, combined with working full time, adds a unique stressor I never had to manage before. It peaked in September when I had a work deadline, school work, and a conference in Vancouver where I was presenting. The weeks before and after felt like a race, with a cycle of work, school, homework, cleaning my apartment, and figuring out what to eat. Rinse and repeat.

I feel guilty when I do absolutely nothing for a day because I am always thinking about what could better fill that time. In reality, I just need the rest.

Resting has always been a struggle for me and the guilt of doing nothing is not new. I also have a lot of ideas and projects I want to work on. But instead of finding rest, I usually find myself loitering on social media, creating an even greater sense of guilt.

Last month, I came to the conclusion my seemingly endless cycle of school, work, eating, and cleaning lacked excitement and creativity. Sure, work and class are exciting in their own ways, but I lacked personal excitement. Every day that I came home, I thought about what was next interns of school work and sometimes the weekends felt the same way. Just a constant what do I have to do next.

So, I jotted down a few creative projects I wanted to work on. The list included embroidery, Christmas cards, a digital planner, and bookbinding. Most of these ideas required focus and a break from my screen. This month I decided I’ll start with embroidery. This time last year, I was just getting the hang of it. I had an unfinished pattern and told myself I will finish it before moving to something else. I had to let go of the idea of it being perfect (even though it's truly just for practice and my mind knows that, but hey that can be the topic of another newsletter).

I always have a list of things I want to constantly improve upon. This month, I am only choosing one. Working on embroidery will ultimately help my mind relax, giving me a more restful sleep and allow me to wake up on time.

November signifies the beginning of the holiday season for many. Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away, and Christmas commercials have begun. Soon we will be counting down the days until 2023. We often save major resolutions for the beginning of the new year. I’m reminded at the beginning of each month, each week, and each day that there is an opportunity to make a change. I don't have to wait for Sunday to work on a new routine if I mess up on Wednesday. It’s not perfect, but it is one step closer to a healthier balanced life.

Just have a few quick questions for you as you start your week. What have you been waiting on the "perfect moment" to do something? What can you do today? What will you focus on? Take it one day at a time.

Feel free to jot down your thoughts a comment!