In a world that is always bustling and buzzing around us it’s easy to feel pressured to get the most out of every moment. As a society we glorify being busy as if it is tied directly to our level of importance and worth. It’s one of the first things we start a conversation with. “I did all of these things today” and “I need to go here and do this later”. It makes us feel validated and important somehow, being endlessly occupied.
Our time and energy are our most valuable property. Unlike money and belongings which are both replaceable, time lost is never gained back, and physical and mental energy given out requires time and rest to replace. So how do you know you aren’t “wasting” it?
This is not the part where I tell you to “live each day like it’s your last”. I have always hated that quote. In the real world that doesn’t work. You can’t shirk your responsibilities, your job, your promises, and all your other obligations each day anticipating some sort of premature freak death. Your still have to pay the electric bill. You have to make an effort to tackle that giant mountain of laundry (how many people really live here?). You have to go to work, go to that meeting, sit in that unending zoom conference call. So there’s no hope right? Wrong. It’s time to lighten your load. It’s time to get rid of what you can. Whatever is no longer serving your purpose, filling your cup, or bringing you happiness. Are the kids involved in 10 million activities? Are you? Is the rushing, the stress, totally necessary? Take inventory. Make cuts as needed.
Do you have trouble saying “no” to people? Me too. I automatically search my brain for an excuse. I mean you can’t say no without a reason right? Why? We don’t owe an excuse to anyone. I struggle so bad with that. We need desperately as a society to normalize saying no without guilt. If you have a physical or mental illness it can be hard to tackle even everyday activities sometimes. Your energy is absolutely precious. Treat it that way. You should never unnecessarily add anything to your plate that puts you in physical pain, leaves you exhausted, or gives you mental anxiety and anguish.
Having free time is a gift! You don’t have to search for a way to fill it. Be completely present in it. Be mindful. Guard your energy like it’s a wallet full of credit cards and cash, because in reality it’s way more valuable.
The Anxious Empath 