Give yourself a break

How high are your expectations of yourself?

It’s been a funny old couple of weeks. Certainly testing my patience and levels of positivity!

Like many people out there I am trying to juggle quite a lot at once – looking for my ideal job, trying to sell our flat so that we can buy our dream home plus managing regular hospital visits – all have felt exciting and stressful little journeys.

I kind of laugh at the situation I find myself in. Why do we take on so much and expect a lot from ourselves? Is it today’s society expecting it or is it just our own expectations? I guess I like to be busy and achieve things constantly but isn’t that putting a lot of pressure on when things don’t go as you expect or as quick as you would like them to.

This is new terrority for me. Always been goal driven and gone for what I wanted. Generally felt in control and able to make things happen, waiting around feels totally alien.

In saying all of that, this is also a great opportunity to see the positive things that are happening too.

Found myself having wonderful conversations with friends/family and complete strangers, inspiring each other daily. I met a lovely lady whilst swimming last Wednesday who had major back problems (spent 7 months bed ridden), ended up having the most fascinating, heart warming conversation with her on how she has coped and how she always puts her well being first after that experience. I had to leave the pool in the end as I was getting cold but it was worth it!

It’s great to be living in the present more, not planning too far ahead and just enjoying what is really important. Trying to find activities that are fun and don’t cost the earth. You become really resourceful and develop great negotiation skills!

You find yourself listening more to what your true needs are and responding to them. If you can’t look after yourself, then who is going to look after you. I am still learning this but I feel much more self aware (probably because I am having to spend so much time with myself – scary!!).

So, give yourself a break if you too are expecting too much. Do something special for you this week and nurture yourself like you would your best friend.

Have a great rest of week.