You know that feeling of getting something done that you’ve dreaded having to do? All the anticipation of having to do it, all the energy you put into wishing you didn’t have to do it? Then the relief of having actually finally done it, and having it behind you. That’s a great feeling—like the weight of something heavy off your shoulders. Imagine not getting any feeling of relief, and then imagine how hard it would be to still do the things that you dreaded doing. That’s Ava, my 17 year old, in a nutshell. She procrastinates like no one I’ve ever met. EVER. She drags her feet until the most dire of consequences have already started happening. Then she does it, and for some unknown reason, doesn’t seem to get that rush of relief that is so helpful since that rush is stored in your brain so that the next time you procrastinate maybe you do it a little less because you just want to get it done and over with so you can feel good. It’s a very unfortunate personality trait that I can’t seem to reason out of her.
So, as I watch Ava in full procrastination mode (finals are less than 3 weeks away), I’m reminded that a really good way to start the new year is to check off all the crap on your list that you REALLY don’t want to do. Imagine how good it will feel to start off the first month of the year tackling the things you ignored all last year in hopes they would go away? Some of the traditional New Year’s kick off things I really enjoy doing….I like getting organized, I have a little Marie Kondo in me for sure. I’m taking a break from those things though and I'm really going to try and knock off the stuff that I dread (like year end accounting, the hand-washing pile and finding the paint to retouch up the big black scratch in our bedroom--which has been there for two years).
I did distract myself earlier with the new Crystalyn Kae card cases which are darling and a pop of fun color. Card cases are my favorite for organizing my purse and I always have one in my bag for the cards I use constantly plus my ID and some cash, plus another one for my backup cards (like emergency visa, Costco card, coffee card I never remember to use and things like that). It makes it easy to transfer purses too or utilize a clutch because I just grab my card case, phone and lipstick and I’m good.
I went to yoga again this morning….in the name of 2020 self care and personal sanity (did you see how well I handled talking about Ava’s annoying procrastination above?) The offering today was the reminder that the best parts of us come from the most vulnerable places within us. Basically, your story, your ability to connect with the world, and strength, all comes from those soft vulnerable places within—and allowing yourself to tap into them.
My other self-care act was to eat a LOT of this amazing goat cheese brie I bought with quince paste. Oh my goodness. Good stuff, and I enjoyed every last bite. Don't start out the year with crushing food goals, we all feel a little toxic after the holiday food/alcohol rotation but you can implement moderation so you can still enjoy the nourishment and joy of food without starting off the year in deprivation-food-hating-resentment mode. Right? My goat cheese-fest says YES. If you are wondering whose idea it was to ask in our daily survey what food you want to eat MORE of in 2020--it was most definitely mine. I say goat cheese.
Shout out to the new Eileen Fisher, it’s pretty darn adorable and a perfect group to wear now and straight thru spring!
Signed, ME {lv}
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