You know, there is such a thing as being too responsible, too useful, too practical, too grown up.
We all want to be good, right? And sometimes we are too good. We are good at our jobs. Good at taking care of others. Good at being there for our family and friends.
And then we pause one day to realize something has been neglected or lost: you.
There is great value in opening up to our true needs. Living from a place where you want to– not have to or should.
What lights you up? Where does your desire live? How do you feed your creativity? I’m going to guess it is not the same place your good girl persona resides.
It takes courage to admit that you don’t really want to. You’re too tired. You’re resentful. You need time for you.
Sure, you could go on living your entire life to please others. That’s what grown ups do, isn’t it? We put others first. Subvert our immediate desires. Consider others’ feelings. Schedule and plan. Juggle responsibilities.
We think of the good of the whole rather than our individual needs.
To live a more passionate, satisfying, and authentic existence I suggest we take a cue from children. Think about 2 year olds. What are they like?
Try experimenting with one of these 5 ways to let go of your over-burdened sense of responsibility:
1. Be Curious
Be an inquisitive child. Follow what piques your interest. Ask: Why? What if? How does that work? What will make me the most happy?
2. Engage in Life
Explore your environment. Touch. Taste. Smell. Listen. Take in your surroundings with your whole being.
3. Play
Fool around. Take time off. Get absorbed in free play. Dance. Swing. Scribble.
4. Listen to Your Body
Run. Eat. Sleep in good measure. Have loads of fun and respond accordingly when you’re hungry, tired, need a change.
5. Say NO
Put up a fight. Say it like you mean it. Differentiate yourself from others. Put your desires first.
Such good advice to play, but it’s so hard to do! And sometimes, I’ll admit, I really want to also have a tantrum like a two-year-old. I think it would feel really good for five minutes.
Yes… I can definitely relate. I am considered responsible at caregiving, as an employee and so forth. I found myself asking today: When do I get to do what I really want? When do I honor my needs and my desires? Don’t my needs matter? I want to engage in life, play more and definitely be more spontaneous! Such an appropriate post! 🙂
Yes… I can definitely relate. I am considered responsible at caregiving, as an employee and so forth. I found myself asking today: When do I get to do what I really want? When do I honor my needs and my desires? Don’t my needs matter? I want to engage in life, play more and definitely be more spontaneous! Such an appropriate post! 🙂