Stuff happens. Work gets hectic, your social calendar is full, your best friend is having a huge crisis, and you’re beginning to tear out your hair.
Stop that! Stop it right now!
Whatever is going on will still be there half an hour from now… unless it’s actively burning up, in which case call 911 and toss a bucket of water over it until the firefighters get there… unless it’s a grease fire. Water won’t do squat but spread a grease fire.
But the office tizzy and your friends’ crisis and the kids’ soccer games and all of that will not end the world if you take a few minutes for yourself and do something – anything – that makes you happy.
So when the world’s going nuts around you and you feel like strangling something to relieve your feelings, please don’t indulge in those impulses. Trust me, it doesn’t solve anything. And depending on who or what you strangle, it really could make matters far, far worse.
The better answer is to create a tiny window and do something just for yourself. Take a bubble bath, eat a good meal, read a couple chapters of that trashy novel or fascinating history book you’ve been wanting to read. Take a walk around the block, nurture your bonsai tree, or do some maintenance on your car engine.
It doesn’t matter what it is. Just choose something you find relaxing and fun.
Stress kills. No, really, it does. A good manicure? Absolutely won’t harm you or anyone else.
Be good to yourself. After all, if you aren’t, who will be?
I just took an entire weekend off. No e-mails, phone calls, erands or household chores. No guilt or regrets, just time off from thinking, talking and feeling the need to get things done.
Comment by coffeeaddict — June 10, 2012 @ 5:23 am
Twistie, I’ve been meaning to say how very much I enjoy your posts–and then somehow I’ve continually forgotten to do that. You have a very nice way with words, and a lovely blend of intelligence and kindness that is rare on the Internet. THank you for your contributions to this site; I really do look forward to everything you write. That’s my good thank you of the day for you, and tonight I will hop in a bath or something to be nice to myself. Thanks again.
Comment by jenny — June 10, 2012 @ 5:20 pm