It’s been one of those swirly weeks, where I’m not sure which pairs of socks are clean and I don’t know which moving box has my favorite dinner plate in it, and I’m not entirely sure I have the right paperwork to take to the water board (because there is a water board) to ask nicely to pay for water and a trash can. Also, my accountant called and talked at me all slow and careful because it’s THAT time of year. And, I just started watching the show Survivor because 2016 seemed like as fine a time as any to get into that show for pure distraction and procrastination purposes.
It’s one of those weeks where inspiration is present but dang elusive and tasks are heavy and endless. I have a tendency to be hard on myself (about the silly television watching for starters), and while being hard on myself can sometimes serve as a motivator… more often than not it a negative pot to simmer in.
In these times of self-bumming I try my best to have patience with myself, see clearly what needs to be done, motivate myself with chocolate, and remind myself of all of the things I know how to do instead of focusing on all of the things I’m still trying to figure out.
Let’s remind ourselves of all of the adulting we do with moderate to great levels of success. It’s a momentary pat on the back and then we’ll get back to not-procrastinating… cool?
All The Things We Know, A Short List:
- We know how to pay our bills and turn the faucet off while we brush our teeth. Not related.
- We know how to apologize when we hurt someone and make cinnamon rolls (also when we hurt someone) (or want cinnamon rolls).
- We know how to communicate our feelings with reason and sanity and sometimes with pent-up yelling (the former being preferable).
- We know how to get our hair done and buy new shoes when times get serious (internally mentally serious).
- We know when to soothe ourselves with tater tots and when to soothe ourselves with yoga.
- We know when to call instead of text, and when to show up instead of call. It’s care. Also: bring either pie, doughnuts or wine.
- We know how to pet a cat, talk to a baby, hold a baby without looking freaked out externally, and make a bologna sandwich. Not at the same time. It’s hard to hold a baby, look not freaked out, and do anything else.
- We know how to hustle hard with kindness for ourselves and others. This is our reminder.
Considering all of the adulting we tackle everyday, in all of our relationships,there’s not much we can’t do (besides breathe underwater). Let’s look at our to-do list with fresh eyes and high-fives.
Kavita Goyal
This post is a such a honest and straight forward article. Self-motivation is a very essential quality that is to be developed by each individual.
todd wagner
Often when I’m feeling down, or stuck in a funk, I come here and bury myself in your site for a while. This evening was one of those times, and I’m so happy to have stumbled upon this post. ty
Andrea
Thanks for the reminder to slow down and let it flow. (We all need this reality check.) And by the way, you got this moving in and reworking your life thing.
Suellen
Your short list is spot on. I can so relate to it. Love your blog and food. Hope your enjoying your new digs.
Jenn
This made me smile. Just what I needed at the end of a long week :-)
Bob
Sometimes tater tots, sometime wine and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (like now!). Great, post, perfect for tonight. Thanks.
Manny
Joy, this is exactly what I needed right now. Thank you.
Siddharth Rao
Love your writing! I’m confident you’ll make it! You are awesome Joy
Sara
YES. Thanks you Joy :)
dessertfortwo
Soooooo with you. I got a crap ton of work done this week, but it was only in 1 area. Everything else went neglected. I’m always making trade-offs, never getting absolutely everything done.
xo
Jessie
Beautiful. Adulting is hard. And all those adults I looked up to when I was younger? I’ve realized they don’t have it all together as much as I thought. We’re all trying to figure stuff out, some just have a little more experience in some areas. I’m still learning how to deal with my anxiety, because when I get overwhelmed and my to-do list gets too long, I shut down. Gotta step away, do some breathing exercises, get out in nature, listen to a good song, and then move on.
Diane Leach
My husband works for the California Water Board. And in New Orleans, I am certain their job is ten thousand times as awful as California’s. Because you have waaay more water. Love your Water Board–they make the stuff coming out of your faucet drinkable. Seriously, big Mazel Tov on the house. I promise the craziness calms down. I hope Tron is coping, too.
Michelle Traino
This post is great – I think we all need a reminder to not always focus on the things we can’t do or haven’t checked off from the to-do list and instead take stock of what we can do. I enjoy reading about your thought process and seeing your words of encouragement.
Maris
Breathe, but dont hyperventilate, dear girl. I look at unpacking as opening gifts at a time other than my birthday or Christmas. I open one, oh, there’s my little gold grape cluster. Oh, this is my cuisinart, oh, there are my fishnet hose (not all in the same box, of course!!!!) Have some fun. Hope all gets easier.
Valerie
**fist bump** I feel ya girl.