I’m a highly emotional person, which means diving into the natural highs and lows, the contrasts of life – and while contrast isn’t always fun, it is an incredible teacher. And oh, the lessons I’ve learned.
One of the biggest “aha” moments I’ve had when in a “low”, is how much of it is based on The Imaginary Deadline.
I know I’m not alone here. I did a recent Instagram poll and a whopping 100% of you who replied said that you too suffer from The Imaginary Deadline.
So, it’s time to do something about it. Specifically, let’s just call it what it is:
a made-up, arbitrary, feels-so-real-but-really-isn’t barrier to our joy.
Is the world going to end if I have to delay another week for our online self-care studio to open? Feeling: Yes! Reality: No.
Is the sky going to fall if you don’t have every gift perfectly chosen and wrapped and shipped, and every card mailed? Feeling: Yes! Reality: No.
Is the sun going to stop rising if we stop, take a deep breath, and rest in our own humanity? Feeling: Yes! Reality: Of course not.
Because that humanity is our biggest gift this season. We can choose to see it and share it and relate to others with it. But only when we stop trying to be so perfect (as if anyone actually is).
This is scary. And brave. And you can do this.
When you’re feeling the scary, impending better-get-it-all-done deadlines looming…
- STOP.
- Ask: even if this is important, it is real? Or is it imagined?
- Consider: Can I move a bit more slowly? Can I breathe?
- Believe: Can I trust that everything will be okay?
And remember that you aren’t alone.
