Hermits have no peer pressure. ~ Steven Wright

Taking the pressure off!

It’s been a hell of a last year and a lot of things have gone wrong. And happily, lately, more things are starting to go right than wrong. I went through a long period of languishing, it seems since COVID to be my go to state when things go to shit. But I’ve begun to come out of it and I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately about what’s actually changed.

First, I’ve gotten closer to resolving my mother’s estate and getting things closer to being closed up and taken care of in terms of assets, selling the house etc… Second, I took the first vacation I’ve had in 18 months and while it was short, just four days, it was really amazing. My job has gotten a little bit better, I have the best boss I’ve had since being at my current college. Throw all of these together and it has definitely helped improve things.

But in the last few days something else has hit my mind that seems to be at the root of my turn around. I have taken my foot off the gas and given myself a break. Although in many ways I’m laid back, I push myself hard to make sure I’m making good use of my limited time on this planet. Yes, I’m an alien and will soon be returning home. So while I was languishing I was being non-productive, just watching TV at night after work and applying for jobs, as I’ve made progress I’ve changed tack. Normally each night I do some sort of writing, I apply for jobs, I work on some side hustles. But lately I’ve allowed myself to do a lot less, and by taking the pressure off two things have happened. First, I’ve been surprisingly productive, two, my mood has greatly improved.

Sometimes we can be our own worst critics, our own harshest judges. And sometimes all it takes is to ease off on yourself a bit, give yourself some grace and allow for happier days my friends. ~ Rev Kane