11 February – A Better Monday
Success today, though not entirely because of my own efforts. Robbie is sick with this nasty cold and he woke up 4:30 congested and still feverish. I don’t usually feed him until around 7:30, but I am of the persuasion that, when sick, the more breast milk, the more antibodies, the better. So he ate and I was thoroughly awake after a couple of coughing fits of my own.Accountability, whether real or imagined, is a powerful motivator. Knowing I will write about my success or failure in a public outlet, after having committed to a monthly challenge “out loud,” makes this less of a personal process and more of a promise, a guarantee.
Sadly, in the past I’ve not valued the promises made only to myself enough to keep them. One reason for that failure is the bad habit I have of making too many promises. I want to do so much, try so much, be so much. I forget that I’m not SuperWoman.
A lady I admire very much told me once that every Yes is also a No. Yes to another activity, event, workshop, writing assignment, job, whatever, is No to dinner with family, time with kids, date with husband, relaxation, rest, home priorities. There is a price to pay for every commitment I make: the time and effort required plus the value of what I am unable to do because of the commitment.
Some things simply aren’t worth it. Even an overwhelming sense of obligation (where does it come from?) doesn’t change that fact.
I want to get in the habit of saying Yes to my family and No, or Wait, to everything else until I know it’s worth the price.