Pat Yourself On The Back

Life can have you running in circles. Our days are packed with endless tasks, to-do's and projects. You have doctor's appointments, clients to meet, phone calls to make, meetings to attend, classes to teach, luncheons, events, and we haven't even mentioned deadlines. And if you have kiddos, the list just goes on and on. Now you've probably added PTA meetings, teachers to call, field trips, fundraisers to plan, soccer practice, ballet lessons, homework, dinner and the grocery shopping. You get one task crossed off the list, only to add a few more. We're exhausted just thinking about it. By the end of your day you're probably exhausted, too. Not only are you beat, now you're a bit frazzled because there's plenty more on your list to do. You're starting to feel stressed, which can then lead to moodiness. And that same attitude can ruin what would have been a wonderful evening.

I had found far too many evenings feeling this way. I was always feeling like I still had so much to do. I would stare down at my to-do list which I wrote up that same morning, trying to find the energy just to keep myself from falling over. Because only 7 out of the 10 things I wanted to accomplish were checked off, I'd feel like I failed in some way. I'd stress over what I didn't get done, completely overlooking all that I had accomplished in my busy day.

Then came my moment of enlightment, the answer to my "why am I feeling so bad" question. Hugo helped me with that. On one of the evenings where I had several projects to finish, I couldn't shake this terrible feeling I was having. I had been up late the night before, woke up early to finish, only to be stressing over more projects ahead of me. Hugo asked me to stop for a minute. A minute, at this point, seemed like a lifetime to me. As if, in that very minute, I could have accomplished a gazillion things. But it was this one minute that had changed how I viewed my days, my projects and most importantly, myself.

He reminded me how much he loved my diligence, my work ethic and the passion I put into everything I do. He also said if I focused more on the accomplishments of the day, instead of the unfinished tasks, I'd be much happier and satisfied with how I spent my day. He was exactly right!! I'm so grateful to have a wonderful partner in life, who shares with me a different perspective. Sometimes, when you're the person, going through the motions, it's harder to see the things that are right under our noses. I knew my attitude had to change, I just didn't know how to do it.

Now those days are few and far between. I tackle one task at a time and give it my very best. My evenings are spent smiling and winding down to reenergized my spirits for the next day and the next project.

So, the lesson of today is to pat yourself on the back. We all have our "crazy" days. It's those "crazy" days that remind us that we are Alive!! Stop for a minute, walk away from the task, and refocus your thoughts on all the achievements of the day. Instead of seeing a long list of "still to-do's", create a new list of your many accomplishments. Title it Today's Achievements!! Give yourself an A+ for a job well done. You'll feel good, be much happier, and satisfied knowing you gave the day the best you had to give. Knowing this now, will bring about, a more happier you.

Many Blessings....

Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~