We stay so busy all the time, and for some of us it’s due to too much “yes.”
You know what I mean – everything and everyone else comes first. Before we know it we’ve responded to all the requests for our time and talent that come our way from family, friends, colleagues, and clients. We end up scheduling three times as much to do than we could ever accomplish!
Yet, there are things we want and need to do for ourselves, and those things are worth saying yes to!Having a list of those things is a great reminder. It helps us commit to doing them. And it helps us identify some things that we decide to say “no” to so there’s room for those10 things on our “yes” list.
My List
1. Reading
2. A stroll through a flower show
3. Self-Reiki
4. A break spent outdoors
5. A bicycle ride
6. Personal writing
7. Writing in support of key legislation
8. Being with my granddaughter
9. Taking a vacation
10. Getting tickets to an outdoor concert, or three
What’s on your list?
Why Say Yes to These Things
There are lots more than 10 things I want to say yes to! I could keep this list going for quite a while.
Each of the things on my list reflects an important understanding. As a breast cancer survivor, it’s one that’s come home to me in a very concrete way. Connecting all ten are underlying values, with themes of self-care, learning, nature, beauty, standing up and speaking out.
Our time on this planet is limited. No matter how much energy we have for doing what we “should” do, as well as what we want to do, that energy has its limits too.
I want to be intentional about how I spend these precious resources!
For “Extra Credit!”
Have you made your list? Great! You can use it to help you prioritize the things you want to say yes to, and to listen deeply to yourself. Try writing a phrase, or a sentence or two about the underlying value or belief connected to each of your ten items. Maybe it turns out there’s a theme, or a few themes, that connect them.
Credits
The prompt comes is via Marie, editor at Journey Beyond Breast Cancer
