Letting go of the need to create in spaces meant for fun or rest

I enjoyed attending Howard University's 100th homecoming, returning to the yard, and reconnecting with classmates.?But as much fun as I had, my toxic trait started to come to the surface. If you are like me, you like to create something because there is a void, and somebody needs to do it, so you take the lead.

Yep, that trait.?Many people may call that being entrepreneurial, but it becomes annoying when you know you need rest, but you take on other projects despite already having enough on your plate.

On Saturday of homecoming weekend, I spent most of the day standing in long lines and never getting into the parties. I ran into other frustrated classmates asking me if I planned to host an event and having them tell me they would come if I did. I spent the day ruminating on everything that went wrong that I missed being in the present with my friends. ?I missed the positives of that experience of being reunited with some of my favorite people, because I kept thinking about ways I could make everything better.

I woke up early Sunday morning dreaming up an event, imagining partners, and just when I went to grab my laptop to make an event deck, I stopped myself.

I asked myself, "Why do I need to do this? Why can't homecoming be my moment to play and have fun? I deserve to chill."

I reminded myself that it is okay to participate. I don't always have to create and lead. I don't always have to be the change I want to see if it stretches me beyond my capacity. It's okay for other people to step up. It's also okay to set boundaries on spaces that are designed for you to relax or have fun by not creating and executing in those spaces.

So I put my laptop down and got ready for brunch. Once I let it go, I had a great ending to my homecoming weekend.

I freed myself to live in the present. Asking myself those questions reminded me I don't always have to take the lead. There is a difference between being called to do something and doing something because of ego, people thinking you should do it or it's trendy. Doing things for those other reasons is fine, but when you are in need of space to turn the "brand" off, you have to check for alignment.?How you spend your time matters, and it has to make sense.

Today's society always pushes us to monetize something or be productive; I encourage you to be okay with playing the supportive role at times and choosing fun and rest. We don't always need to put on the cape, and we don't always have to use every occasion to activate our brands. Make more space to just be.

We deserve to give ourselves more spaces outside of our homes to relax the business demeanor and the professionalism and be.