Motivation & Regret

Everyone is going to be motivated by different things at different times. When I am tired, all I can think to barter with myself over is sleep. Sometimes all I can think about is getting out of the house for sunshine or I just want to read a book that has pulled me in. Whatever drives and motivates you, capitalize on those things to help you push through more undesirable tasks. 

Last week was a busy one for our family with the end of school schedules and activities, making lots of memories, jumping right into a family reunion and having my husband traveling for work. One day I was so tired and found myself with about 2 hours of time I could do with what I wanted. So I bartered with myself - sleep for one hour and really push through five important things after. But that meant I had to decide to just be okay skipping some other things that were important to me. We do not have to make sure everything actually gets done every day (I tend to think that is on the impossible side of reality). I did not feel guilty for skipping things I normally wouldn't that day because the circumstances of that week were unique and I know I will not skip those same chores and tasks again next week. We tend to feel guilty about not doing things when we have repeatedly neglected things we say are important to us or when we have not made the decision to skip the tasks, but have just decided to ignore all tasks and skip the whole day. When we make decisions with a clear head and purpose, we can more easily let things go and walk away completely guilt free.

As we are jumping into the beginning of summer, there will be so many more chances to skip tasks and change plans because that is what summer calls us to do. So do it! Change plans and bargain with yourself and enjoy the fun spontaneous moments that summer so often brings. And once you have made the decision, do not look back and regret it. Push through some days and be spontaneous some days and savor the decisions you make this summer.