I woke up from a dream the other night that left me with a feeling that I used to feel with some frequency.
It wasn't a good feeling, so I would have to classify this dream as a nightmare.
Gratefully I don't get this feeling as often as I used to.
What is this feeling you ask?
It is the feeling you get when you have committed to, too many things, trying to please too many people, and you end up not being able to please anyone.
At this time of year I think it is something that happens to many of us. Since this is the season of joy and peace, I thought it might be worth looking at some of the reasons we may experience anything but joy and peace.
I know this is an unusual post, but my nightmare would not be put to rest until I told someone about it. Lucky you!
May this holiday season bring joy and peace to you as you carefully plan and organize your time.
It wasn't a good feeling, so I would have to classify this dream as a nightmare.
Gratefully I don't get this feeling as often as I used to.
What is this feeling you ask?
It is the feeling you get when you have committed to, too many things, trying to please too many people, and you end up not being able to please anyone.
At this time of year I think it is something that happens to many of us. Since this is the season of joy and peace, I thought it might be worth looking at some of the reasons we may experience anything but joy and peace.
- Thinking that you should be able to do everything. I find that it isn't that you want others to think you can do everything but that you may feel that if you can't do it all you are less of a person. I mean really, shouldn't I be able to volunteer for every charitable event, while making the most fabulous home cooked meals, and have an impeccable home that is decorated to the hilt, plus be in optimum physical shape, as well as, have all my children playing a different instrument so we can have our own family band, and never miss a school or sporting event. Oh and don't forget the yard and neighbors and the list goes on........
- Not being able to say NO! There can be several reasons for not being able to say no. Not wanting to disappoint someone. Feeling like it is your duty. You may be afraid that you won't be asked again ( now wouldn't that be a shame). What ever the reason not being able to say NO can really make life difficult.
- Double booking because you simply forget you have a prior engagement. I can't tell you how many times I have done this one. I have been told several time if I would just write it down then I wouldn't have that problem. Well I can tell you right now that isn't the case. Haven't you heard that if you write something down you don't have to worry about it anymore? I think that is true for when I write it down, I don't worry about it anymore. I don't even think of it anymore. I have come up with a few tricks for this, like putting sticky notes all over the house and setting multiple alarms etc.
- Being afraid of being left out or of missing something. One time while I was visiting my parents for some family event I was amazed that one of my sister-in-laws would sleep in (just a little) and then spend time to get dressed and do her hair and make-up before joining the family. I would wake up and hurry out to see the family. I didn't want to miss a thing. I didn't want to miss a single moment of what was going on. I soon learned that my sister-in-law wasn't the one that would miss out on anything, but I would, because when it was time to go and do something, I would be left behind to get myself and my children ready.
- I can't do everything and that is OK. If I choose what I really want to do and let the rest go I am a lot happier and so is my family.
- Saying No is not only OK, but it is sometimes the kindest thing to do. If you are so booked that you can't give a project the attention it needs you aren't helping anyone.
- Finding a way that works for you to remember what you need to be doing is really important And tying a string around your finger doesn't work.
- If you take care of the basic needs of yourself and family you are better able to help with the needs of others or to participate in other activities. Trust me you won't be left behind in anything that really matters.
I know this is an unusual post, but my nightmare would not be put to rest until I told someone about it. Lucky you!
May this holiday season bring joy and peace to you as you carefully plan and organize your time.