Is it really okay to go slow?
"Am I really unwell enough to not work?”
This question popped up in my mind while I was lying down on my couch, with me staring blankly at the ceiling.
For 3 weeks, I was feeling really unwell due to a medical condition. (Which explains the absence of writing in the past month. Thankfully, I have recovered)
Given I wasn’t able to do much, I told myself –
"Fine, for the next 3 weeks while I am under treatment, I shall do nothing and be useless."
Those exact words came to me.
Did you see what’s wrong there?
Wow, I just called myself?useless?for resting and recovering.
How harsh is?that?
If I wasn’t mindful, this narrative would live in me and make me feel less valuable.
My worth was still very much attached to being productive and achieving.
I then took a moment to breathe and really connect with my body.
I offered these words within.
“I give myself permission to rest and nurture my body."
Life is not linear. Life is hard sometimes.
Life has different priorities that need to be taken care of right now.
My body is the priority for now.
Was I calm and at peace all the time?
Definitely not. I have moments where I feel frustrated and cried because I just didn’t feel like myself.
I was scared of slowing down. I was scared of feeling so weak.
At the same time, I felt compassion for the discomfort I was going through.
I thought of all the other women who are going through discomfort in their own way and felt a sense of respect and awe for them too.
It was an ebb and flow of different emotions.
As my energy was so limited, I appreciated every ounce of my energy and used them with care.
I was much more present with myself and those around me.
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In those weeks, I used minimal social media and that helped me feel more at peace with my pace.
I felt less rushed.
The phrase that I repeatedly invite with gentleness is?“It’s okay to go slow and take your time”
I am reminding you too –
that it’s okay to go slow at times.
Stop comparing with others. Everyone is different.
If you are physically, mentally, or emotionally going through a tough time, be gentle with yourself.
There will be different seasons in your life.
There will be seasons to gloriously speed up and seasons to go slow.
Stop buying into the idea that continuous exponential growth and an accelerated career path is the key to a fulfilling and joyful life.
Energy rises and falls. Seasons change.
Be aware of your season and choicefully craft your priorities.
What’s?your?season?
Is it an acceleration season?
Is it a slowing down season?
Is it a season of transition?
Is it a season to just BE?
Honor your season and have a theme for yourself.
I am feeling much better this week and for this coming month, my theme is?nurturing.
What’s your theme for this month?
How are your actions going to support this theme?
PS: Apply for a coaching discovery session here because you want to thrive with more peace and calm within. Let me support you in doing that.
Love,
TJ
Yes you're right. Not everyday is a sunny day. Still vividly remember someone told me that your life will not be forever smooth throughout your journey as you will get sick, you will lost your love one, you will encounter misfortune events and etc... That's why it is important for us to stay humble.. been there done that...
Senior SAP Security & Authorization Consultant | Worked on multiple Agile Projects | Leading the Inclusion & Diversity Committee (Malaysia) | Known for being accountable, trustworthy, reliable & resourceful amongst peers
1 年So guilty of doing this to myself, even when I do not feel at my best. Thanks for sharing about this in an open and honest manner. Hope you continue to nurture yourself.?? "It is OK to slow down, Jasveen" comes to my mind now. LOL. I would probably pick "Self Love" as my theme for the remaining days of 2023.