Words of Wisdom

These are the directives the Professor gives me on a regular basis. As I seem to be unable to retain this wisdom, he must repeat it often. I share it here simply to remind myself of some simple truths. Perhaps you can find a pearl to help you through today.

• When you are tired, rest. This requires an awareness for and respect of one's current physical condition.  Resting is not a negative activity. Our bodies and minds need regular rest for optimal health. Exhaustion is not a badge of having done a good job.
• When you are hungry, eat. This also requires an awareness for and respect of one's current physical condition.  Eating is not a negative activity. Our bodies and minds need regular fueling for optimal health. Starving is not a badge of high moral fiber. It does not equal spirituality.
• When you are sad, cry. This requires an awareness for and respect of one's current emotional condition. Expressing sadness is not a negative activity. Emotions are a part of being human. If we do not express our emotions they will store up in our bodies causing illness. Let it out.
• When you are busy, make time to play. Counter-intuitive truth. The most productive people have this one mastered.  Me? Not so much.

So give yourself a break today and allow yourself to be human. Eat when you're hungry. Cry if you're sad. Rest if you're tired. And make time to play.

Be nice to yourself today, if only because I said so. And you know why I want you to? 
It's because I love you. Bunches.

Rest

"One more thing, one more thing, one more thing..." was chasing me through today. Tired and hungry at what should have been the day's end, I pushed myself another 4 hours. Then I wondered why I was beginning to feel unhappy, irritable... maybe even a little depressed. Usually I endeavor to live one day at a time, but sometimes I fail miserably. I cram the tasks of 2 days into one 16 hour period. I forget to hydrate or eat or run to the restroom. Sound familiar? It was one of those days. Ugh.

And when I drag myself through the front door at the end of the day, I see Rocky. Many people wonder why I still provide this grouchy, unpredictable 12 year old feline a home, but he teaches me so much. When he is hungry, he sleeps. When he needs comfort, he gets it (or we will be miserable until he does!) And whenever he is tired, he sleeps.

Sometimes the best, strongest and most worthy thing we can do is halt. Take a break. Let it all go for a minute (or more), and simply rest. If I could remember on a daily basis to treat myself the way I would treat another person: with consideration, respecting my needs as valid, and rewarding myself with a "well done" once in a while, I would be even more productive. And easier to live with. And more content.

And so would you, precious one. So treat yourself with consideration today, and rest when you need it. Because I love you. Bunches.