I am having one of those full- of-gratitude- days. I got to go for a walk/ bike ride with the littlest and the dog today, after dropping off the biggest at school. I got to go the market and chat with some great ladies I know, in my great town, and then go buy planters for my lovely house. No rushing, no stressing. Just a chill day with my girl, doing menial things. This is my perfect day.
While messing around with said planters in the front yard, I chatted with our neighbor. She mentioned that their 25 year wedding anniversary was this year. I am in awe of people who can stand another human being for that long. My in laws are at 48 years this year. 40freaking8 years. We are at 6. A measly 6, and some days I cannot comprehend even one more. I first congratulated her and said what an amazing thing I thought it was, then asked her how.
She said the normal stuff that I still need a reminder of like, "it's a choice you make everyday" which of course is a solid point. Then she said every time she wishes she had a weapon to end him with (hahaha of course everyone ever in a relationship can identify with that), she said she stops and asks herself "Am I such a bargain?" and lists in her head all the things she may have done wrong that week that could make him feel the same way about her.
I will never forget that.
I've been divorced. I left. I filed. I was fucking OUT. It was HIS fault. HE did this to me. HE did that to me. It took much time before I actually thought about what I may have done. Honestly, it didn't happen until the Beard and I started to have issues. It finally occurred to me (I am embarrassed that it took so long) that I contributed to the negativity too. I do wrong. I fuck up and act like a silent, stubborn bitch. I have the mouth of a sailor and I am pretty good at saying awful things. The list could go on, but it is in the past.
Regardless of what anyone else has done, I have no control of that. I only have control over my behavior.
I have many divorced or divorcing friends. It seems to be the age. I have very few who have mentioned mistakes they have made, and how they will address them in the future. I have many who freely mention what the ex has done... it's easier. I get it. It's easier to look at others failings and it hurts to look at our own. Shining a light on our shortcomings may lead to discomfort, and God knows we will go to incredible lengths to avoid any of that. Bringing our issues to the consciousness may mean we actually have to DO something about it, and shit that sounds hard.
The Beard is certainly not perfect, but he is good at self evaluation. There are ways I feel he makes me a more skeptical, negative person (we become what we spend time with, although I do need to take responsibility for it myself), but he does encourage reflection in me too. I am still a silent, stubborn bitch who thinks most of everything is his fault, but I am getting better. It sucks, but it's growth. I've also found it actually doesn't physically hurt or make me less to apologize and take ownership of ones behaviour. It took almost 37 years to figure that one out....
Enjoy your weekend. Take a minute to think about how you could be better, kinder, more loving. Less anger, more compassion.
<3 Much love.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Time for a new topic?
Probably past time... Sorry for the absence (if you care lol). I have had to blog for work, so that takes all my writing time and brain power. Seriously though, I haven't even been able to keep up with that blog, so it's really a lame excuse. I feel unable to say how I really feel, or able to post things I know will piss people off, because of my business. It's really new to me, and I really don't like it. That doesn't mean I won't drunkely blast someone in a status on FB (I am still hearing about my comments after 3 beer about our local minor hockey association....), but I am so much more careful than I used to be. Owning a business sucks a bit.
I had a bunch written in my head about marriage, but now I want to punch my husband in the throat so I doubt anything I typed would be of great value.... I felt I needed to write something, but what?
Perhaps I should write about my apparent lack of time management skills. I feel like the last month is a blur of work, kids, kids sports, trying to clean and cook and drive everyone everywhere they need to go. I am not sure why I feel more out of control and like I have less time (I work 9 hours a week plus 2-5 admin hours. Where the hell does the rest of the time go?!?!). I simply cannot imagine working full time. It boggles my mind. I don't sit around and eat cake with my other mommy friends while we ignore our children, as my husband has suggested during a routine fight (see why I want to throat punch him?). I wish I did that. I don't workout for hours anymore either. I wish I could do that too. Then perhaps this late 30's body would fuck right off and I could look like ME again. Wait, that's wrong. I do look like me. I look like almost-38 years old me. I just feel sometimes like this skin doesn't fit. I haven't felt like that for a long time.... since I turned 35 ish, things have started to wrinkle, and dimple and sag. It's the typical aging stuff. Maybe I looked so much younger for so long that I just don't know how to deal with reality. The reality of coming up fast on 40. It's not like I cry myself to sleep about getting older, or approaching 40, but I do pull at my eyelids while waiting at red lights. I used to text, now I look at my crows feet and my puffy lids. I usually remember to check my upper lip hairs, but if I miss it please let me know.
Can't be old AND hairy. Speaking of, I need to go check the chin hairs. Those bitches are coming in fast and hard as well.
See how I went WAY off course there? As usual. start at one place, ramble a bit and end up who knows where... it's the way I roll.
I have been thinking a lot about radical self acceptance. Accepting oneself as exactly we are. This idea is so foreign to me, it literally took me months to even bring it into my consciousness. My lovely Yogini Michele brought it into a course I took from her. Promoting radical self acceptance. Yeah, the concept sounds so fabulous in theory- like signing up for a marathon or organizing closets. It sounds AMAZING, but how the fuck do you actually do it??? We all want change in some way. We all have ideals, and how we think things/ ourselves should be. I'm usually pretty good at creating paths to get where I (or clients) want to go. I am very much a Do-er. I am not a "let's talk about it at length"er. That is a surefire way to get me to flip out, or lose interest. But for this.... radical self acceptance. What the hell does that plan look like?
I don't have an answer. Sorry if you came this far and are now wanting to punch ME in the throat. I don't have a plan. I don't have an A-to - B map for you. Or for me. All I know is, I am thinking about it. Every day it gets a little stronger in my brain. Every day, when I am ripping into myself for something (weight, pants not fitting, saggy eyelids, workouts being less intense than they used to be, not being able to run because of my back, or because I am simply tired or whatever... ) I remember the idea of self acceptance. Every time I say it in a yoga class, the idea becomes just a little more clear, and I spend just a little less time in front of the mirror. A little less time holding up my ass to where it used to be, and realizing that where it is is really ok.
Maybe that is enough.
For now anyways.
I had a bunch written in my head about marriage, but now I want to punch my husband in the throat so I doubt anything I typed would be of great value.... I felt I needed to write something, but what?
Perhaps I should write about my apparent lack of time management skills. I feel like the last month is a blur of work, kids, kids sports, trying to clean and cook and drive everyone everywhere they need to go. I am not sure why I feel more out of control and like I have less time (I work 9 hours a week plus 2-5 admin hours. Where the hell does the rest of the time go?!?!). I simply cannot imagine working full time. It boggles my mind. I don't sit around and eat cake with my other mommy friends while we ignore our children, as my husband has suggested during a routine fight (see why I want to throat punch him?). I wish I did that. I don't workout for hours anymore either. I wish I could do that too. Then perhaps this late 30's body would fuck right off and I could look like ME again. Wait, that's wrong. I do look like me. I look like almost-38 years old me. I just feel sometimes like this skin doesn't fit. I haven't felt like that for a long time.... since I turned 35 ish, things have started to wrinkle, and dimple and sag. It's the typical aging stuff. Maybe I looked so much younger for so long that I just don't know how to deal with reality. The reality of coming up fast on 40. It's not like I cry myself to sleep about getting older, or approaching 40, but I do pull at my eyelids while waiting at red lights. I used to text, now I look at my crows feet and my puffy lids. I usually remember to check my upper lip hairs, but if I miss it please let me know.
Can't be old AND hairy. Speaking of, I need to go check the chin hairs. Those bitches are coming in fast and hard as well.
See how I went WAY off course there? As usual. start at one place, ramble a bit and end up who knows where... it's the way I roll.
I have been thinking a lot about radical self acceptance. Accepting oneself as exactly we are. This idea is so foreign to me, it literally took me months to even bring it into my consciousness. My lovely Yogini Michele brought it into a course I took from her. Promoting radical self acceptance. Yeah, the concept sounds so fabulous in theory- like signing up for a marathon or organizing closets. It sounds AMAZING, but how the fuck do you actually do it??? We all want change in some way. We all have ideals, and how we think things/ ourselves should be. I'm usually pretty good at creating paths to get where I (or clients) want to go. I am very much a Do-er. I am not a "let's talk about it at length"er. That is a surefire way to get me to flip out, or lose interest. But for this.... radical self acceptance. What the hell does that plan look like?
I don't have an answer. Sorry if you came this far and are now wanting to punch ME in the throat. I don't have a plan. I don't have an A-to - B map for you. Or for me. All I know is, I am thinking about it. Every day it gets a little stronger in my brain. Every day, when I am ripping into myself for something (weight, pants not fitting, saggy eyelids, workouts being less intense than they used to be, not being able to run because of my back, or because I am simply tired or whatever... ) I remember the idea of self acceptance. Every time I say it in a yoga class, the idea becomes just a little more clear, and I spend just a little less time in front of the mirror. A little less time holding up my ass to where it used to be, and realizing that where it is is really ok.
Maybe that is enough.
For now anyways.
Friday, May 29, 2015
Do it
During the 3rd km of my run this morning, (which is my struggle point) I ran past a man in a wheelchair. His little boy was riding his little tricycle ahead of him and they were both so cheerful and sweet, saying hello and smiling and waving.
As I'm struggling and swearing and bitching and breathing heavy.
Perspective folks. That got me some pretty damn quick.
Have a perspective filled weekend.
Friday, April 17, 2015
Listening to your body
Right now, my body is telling me that it's pissed.
Too little sleep, too much activity. Too much goddamn arthritis and not enough medical assistance. Useless Doctors.
I didn't work out today. I trained three classes, and had little runs with two of the three, but I didn't go to the gym. My back hurts, I pulled something weird in my neck yesterday doing shoulder press and my knees are screaming.
I am not listing excuses. I am not.
(that repitition is more for me than to convince you).
I struggle with backing off. I am good at going balls to the wall. I am not good at saying hey this isn't feeling right perhaps I will rest.
I am good at telling people to never push through pain. I do it anyways. I tell people how important rest days are, but I struggle with taking them. The teacher is always the worst student.
There is a difference though between finding an excuse and listening to your body. I often need some quiet space to really listen- we are so busy and distracted and distanced from our physical selves we rarely just listen... The only thing we seem to be fully connected to is our smartphones. Everytime THAT makes any noise, we jump and dive towards it. When the body makes a noise, we ignore and keep going.
I am super tired today, so if that makes no sense I apologize. My 5 year old had another nightmare and the only cure for that apparently is sleeping on my head, then I was up at 4 for work. No amount of coffee will save me today.
So. Due to my brain function or lack of and my pain in various places, I will take today off. Maybe a nice yoga flow to loosen things up and calm my monkey mind, but not a hardcore leg workout that was scheduled. And I will TRY not to beat myself up all day. TRY.
I am not weak. I am listening to my body cues. I am not slacking, I am honoring my physical body with what it needs.
I am still not convinced.
Too little sleep, too much activity. Too much goddamn arthritis and not enough medical assistance. Useless Doctors.
I didn't work out today. I trained three classes, and had little runs with two of the three, but I didn't go to the gym. My back hurts, I pulled something weird in my neck yesterday doing shoulder press and my knees are screaming.
I am not listing excuses. I am not.
(that repitition is more for me than to convince you).
I struggle with backing off. I am good at going balls to the wall. I am not good at saying hey this isn't feeling right perhaps I will rest.
I am good at telling people to never push through pain. I do it anyways. I tell people how important rest days are, but I struggle with taking them. The teacher is always the worst student.
There is a difference though between finding an excuse and listening to your body. I often need some quiet space to really listen- we are so busy and distracted and distanced from our physical selves we rarely just listen... The only thing we seem to be fully connected to is our smartphones. Everytime THAT makes any noise, we jump and dive towards it. When the body makes a noise, we ignore and keep going.
I am super tired today, so if that makes no sense I apologize. My 5 year old had another nightmare and the only cure for that apparently is sleeping on my head, then I was up at 4 for work. No amount of coffee will save me today.
So. Due to my brain function or lack of and my pain in various places, I will take today off. Maybe a nice yoga flow to loosen things up and calm my monkey mind, but not a hardcore leg workout that was scheduled. And I will TRY not to beat myself up all day. TRY.
I am not weak. I am listening to my body cues. I am not slacking, I am honoring my physical body with what it needs.
I am still not convinced.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Jesus
I don't hate Jesus. There seems to be a prevailing belief amongst the more devout people I know that I do dislike him immensely. Or God or religion in general. That is not the case.
I admire people who can fully devote themselves to anything. I also admire belief in something of which there is zero tangible evidence.... I also wonder at some of them.
I am not sure about Jesus. Leaning towards disbelief. Yet when the shit hits the fan, I pray. Sure I do. I don't like that about myself. My logical everyday brain questions it all but when I am skidding across the ice on a winter day into oncoming traffic, I pray my babies will be safe. Wtf.
I grew up in a house that went to church on Sunday and prayed before meals. I remember my first boyfriends father asking me why I beleived. I didn't have an answer. That was the first time in my life I felt really, really stupid because I had no answer. I had never met an athiest and had never considered WHY. I believed because my parents did. I believed because I was supposed to.
I stopped going to church after that. I got married in a Catholic church the second time becuase my husband wanted to and I didn't care. Just one more thing I've done to make other people happy. I wanted an easy, laid back beach wedding. I got a wedding bigger than my first one.... but we do things for other people all the time. It's what he wanted so whatever. It is what it is. The irony lies in the fact that my husband is now the biggest athiest you will ever meet. And one of the loudest- which is how he is with everything. Most people go to rehab and find God- he went and lost him.
My issue with religion doesn't lie in the ideals. I think anything that makes people be kinder to each other is good. I know many wars have been fought in the name of beiefs- I mean everyday type kindess. Forgiveness and all that. My issue lies in the elitism that seems to come with the very religious. The snooty "club" of church and the inability to associate with others. Like hey you haven't drank the Kool aid so you aren't good enough to hang out with.
I swear a lot in real life. It's part of my charm lol. I don't go around killing puppies or punching people in the face, so I think I am a pretty good person. I try to practice being a better person every day. Does this not fall in line with the super religious? Or do they just prefer to hang with thier own kind? I don't get it. I'd love to have a conversation with a Muslim and a Catholic and a yogi. That sounds like the start of a joke doesn't it? Except only the Catholic would walk into a bar, then talk about the the rest of the drinkers. Just kidding- I am basing that assumption on the few that I know. But it fits. The shiny-ness of the new type churches freaks me out. What are they trying to hide with the disco balls and flashing lights and rock bands? Why is there so much flash to draw people in? I am jaded I get that- but I always wonder what they are hiding.
I find the common threads of religions fascinating. Surrendering to higher power- giving it to God- releasing the issues we cannot control. I love that. My sister in law once said "the Lord helps those who helps themselves" in response to my Father in law saying "The Good Lord provides". I agree with her. I work for things. I make shit happen. I don't believe in passively waiting for someone to save you- God, Allah or Prince Charming. Save your damn self. Don't pray for money to fall into your lap, or for the answer to your problem- go out and make money. Get a goddamn job and stop having kids you can't afford.
I understand that when someone says "I'll pray for you", mostly they mean it from a good place. A place of caring and compassion. Still, some part of me wants to tell them to fuck off. Irrational I know.
But don't pray for me. Offer solid assistance if you truly care about my well being- listen to me. Give me a hug.
Go to church- love God. Or don't. I really don't care. But don't exclude everyone else becuase you think you are better. It's just like people who eat Paleo. You aren't better. Stop the need to always be better than everyone. Be better than you were yesterday. It's not about anyone else, or anyone else beliefs. We all hurt, we all bleed, we all love. Just becuase I don't Thank a man in the sky everytime I eat doesn't mean I don't deserve to be heard and loved and considered.
I admire people who can fully devote themselves to anything. I also admire belief in something of which there is zero tangible evidence.... I also wonder at some of them.
I am not sure about Jesus. Leaning towards disbelief. Yet when the shit hits the fan, I pray. Sure I do. I don't like that about myself. My logical everyday brain questions it all but when I am skidding across the ice on a winter day into oncoming traffic, I pray my babies will be safe. Wtf.
I grew up in a house that went to church on Sunday and prayed before meals. I remember my first boyfriends father asking me why I beleived. I didn't have an answer. That was the first time in my life I felt really, really stupid because I had no answer. I had never met an athiest and had never considered WHY. I believed because my parents did. I believed because I was supposed to.
I stopped going to church after that. I got married in a Catholic church the second time becuase my husband wanted to and I didn't care. Just one more thing I've done to make other people happy. I wanted an easy, laid back beach wedding. I got a wedding bigger than my first one.... but we do things for other people all the time. It's what he wanted so whatever. It is what it is. The irony lies in the fact that my husband is now the biggest athiest you will ever meet. And one of the loudest- which is how he is with everything. Most people go to rehab and find God- he went and lost him.
My issue with religion doesn't lie in the ideals. I think anything that makes people be kinder to each other is good. I know many wars have been fought in the name of beiefs- I mean everyday type kindess. Forgiveness and all that. My issue lies in the elitism that seems to come with the very religious. The snooty "club" of church and the inability to associate with others. Like hey you haven't drank the Kool aid so you aren't good enough to hang out with.
I swear a lot in real life. It's part of my charm lol. I don't go around killing puppies or punching people in the face, so I think I am a pretty good person. I try to practice being a better person every day. Does this not fall in line with the super religious? Or do they just prefer to hang with thier own kind? I don't get it. I'd love to have a conversation with a Muslim and a Catholic and a yogi. That sounds like the start of a joke doesn't it? Except only the Catholic would walk into a bar, then talk about the the rest of the drinkers. Just kidding- I am basing that assumption on the few that I know. But it fits. The shiny-ness of the new type churches freaks me out. What are they trying to hide with the disco balls and flashing lights and rock bands? Why is there so much flash to draw people in? I am jaded I get that- but I always wonder what they are hiding.
I find the common threads of religions fascinating. Surrendering to higher power- giving it to God- releasing the issues we cannot control. I love that. My sister in law once said "the Lord helps those who helps themselves" in response to my Father in law saying "The Good Lord provides". I agree with her. I work for things. I make shit happen. I don't believe in passively waiting for someone to save you- God, Allah or Prince Charming. Save your damn self. Don't pray for money to fall into your lap, or for the answer to your problem- go out and make money. Get a goddamn job and stop having kids you can't afford.
I understand that when someone says "I'll pray for you", mostly they mean it from a good place. A place of caring and compassion. Still, some part of me wants to tell them to fuck off. Irrational I know.
But don't pray for me. Offer solid assistance if you truly care about my well being- listen to me. Give me a hug.
Go to church- love God. Or don't. I really don't care. But don't exclude everyone else becuase you think you are better. It's just like people who eat Paleo. You aren't better. Stop the need to always be better than everyone. Be better than you were yesterday. It's not about anyone else, or anyone else beliefs. We all hurt, we all bleed, we all love. Just becuase I don't Thank a man in the sky everytime I eat doesn't mean I don't deserve to be heard and loved and considered.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
No broccoli before Yoga.
I went to a conference today. This one actually had really interesting sessions I was excited to go to, where in years past I have dragged myself and barely stayed awake. I LOVE professional development but sometimes... Snore. It was a good day.
I sat in one lecture and felt a desire I haven't felt in a long time. Not anything dirty- like 80% of the attendees were chicks- but the desire to know EVERYTHING. The presenter was talking about nutrition and supplements and how the body works and I suddenly wanted to know absolutely everything he was talking about. In my next life, I will get a doctorate in Sports Medicine. In this life, I will read I guess.
There is so much to know, and it all takes time. And money. And comprehension.
I have none of those it seems.
I have been trying to finish a nutrition cert for months. Even when I have the time to study, which is never, my brain doesn't work like it used to. University was easy for me. I could work a lot and party a bit and it didn't affect my grades. Now... nothing sticks. My brain is full, or not working, or just plain tired. Everyone told me pregnancy brain wasnt as bad as having-kids-brain. I now agree.
The combination of age and kids and the overly busyness of life has deteriorated my nerons. You know what else? I actually had to sound out that word deteriorated. And backspace. And retype.
THREE TIMES.
But busy is a state of mind. I spoke to one presenter today who I am lucky to know in real life, and who I admire both professionally and personally. She has 4 boys, runs an amazing business and seems to have her shit completely together. Her life is crazy busy. But she never seems frazzled. She is calm when you ask her how llife is. She is collected and cool and gorgeous.
Sometimes I let my frazzle spill out my mouth in a verbal diarreha of rant. My life is somewhat busy, but I have lots of quiet times too. Lots of times with my family and some times to myself. Compared to some, the schedule is insane. Compared to others, it's calm. But comparisions don't matter- it's my state of mind and my ability to handle all that I have on my plate. Sometimes, that ability is nonexistent.
I also got to do a Yoga flow as a session. It reminded me how out of practice I am. My yogi said if you don't practice yoga, you have no business teaching yoga. That is me right now. In my quiet space I realized how pissed I am at my body for not working. For being broken and not allowing me to do what I think I should, or what I used to be able to do. So I avoid yoga. I avoid confronting the demons and dealing with my limitations.
The irony is that as part of my intro to a yoga class, I tell them to let go of these things. Let go of the expectations, the cristicms and stop shoulding all over themselves.
I struggle with the same struggles as my students. Does that mean I am not a good teacher? Maybe. Does that mean I am ok with my imperfections? No. But maybe being aware of them is enough. Maybe it's an ongoing battle- against comparision with others and self. Against those 7 Deadly Sins I only know because Brad Pitt was in a movie about them....
I am aware. Sometimes I am less aware. Again, yoga woke me up. Taking that time to let everything else just fall away and make space in my head....
I sound like a hippie and that's ok. Yoga. Do it.
I sat in one lecture and felt a desire I haven't felt in a long time. Not anything dirty- like 80% of the attendees were chicks- but the desire to know EVERYTHING. The presenter was talking about nutrition and supplements and how the body works and I suddenly wanted to know absolutely everything he was talking about. In my next life, I will get a doctorate in Sports Medicine. In this life, I will read I guess.
There is so much to know, and it all takes time. And money. And comprehension.
I have none of those it seems.
I have been trying to finish a nutrition cert for months. Even when I have the time to study, which is never, my brain doesn't work like it used to. University was easy for me. I could work a lot and party a bit and it didn't affect my grades. Now... nothing sticks. My brain is full, or not working, or just plain tired. Everyone told me pregnancy brain wasnt as bad as having-kids-brain. I now agree.
The combination of age and kids and the overly busyness of life has deteriorated my nerons. You know what else? I actually had to sound out that word deteriorated. And backspace. And retype.
THREE TIMES.
But busy is a state of mind. I spoke to one presenter today who I am lucky to know in real life, and who I admire both professionally and personally. She has 4 boys, runs an amazing business and seems to have her shit completely together. Her life is crazy busy. But she never seems frazzled. She is calm when you ask her how llife is. She is collected and cool and gorgeous.
Sometimes I let my frazzle spill out my mouth in a verbal diarreha of rant. My life is somewhat busy, but I have lots of quiet times too. Lots of times with my family and some times to myself. Compared to some, the schedule is insane. Compared to others, it's calm. But comparisions don't matter- it's my state of mind and my ability to handle all that I have on my plate. Sometimes, that ability is nonexistent.
I also got to do a Yoga flow as a session. It reminded me how out of practice I am. My yogi said if you don't practice yoga, you have no business teaching yoga. That is me right now. In my quiet space I realized how pissed I am at my body for not working. For being broken and not allowing me to do what I think I should, or what I used to be able to do. So I avoid yoga. I avoid confronting the demons and dealing with my limitations.
The irony is that as part of my intro to a yoga class, I tell them to let go of these things. Let go of the expectations, the cristicms and stop shoulding all over themselves.
I struggle with the same struggles as my students. Does that mean I am not a good teacher? Maybe. Does that mean I am ok with my imperfections? No. But maybe being aware of them is enough. Maybe it's an ongoing battle- against comparision with others and self. Against those 7 Deadly Sins I only know because Brad Pitt was in a movie about them....
I am aware. Sometimes I am less aware. Again, yoga woke me up. Taking that time to let everything else just fall away and make space in my head....
I sound like a hippie and that's ok. Yoga. Do it.
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Deactivation
Yet another chocolate holiday- Easter. I admit, I drank a bottle of wine last night and pounded some Eggies. I am ok with it. I didn't plan to eat off track today or tomorrow anyways. The trick is to eat enough that you feel slightly sick at the sight of those little eggs the next day.. mission accomplished.
I left Facebook. I know. Shocking. I've blogged about social media before, and my opinions, as well as my issue and obsession with those little red notifications. I figured out a way to manage my business page and then deleted my personal account. THE FREEDOM!! I thought I would miss it. I thought I would feel left out- but I don't. I thought it would be like quitting smoking and consume my thoughts... turns out I care a lot less about the inane details of others lives far less than I originally thought.
I have more time. I have played more with my kids in the last two weeks than in the 3 months before. This morning I helped my kids look for hidden chocolate eggs rather than trying to take the perfect pictures to post. I didn't see the hundreds of pics posted of other people's egg hunts, or the perfect mom's handmade easter shit that makes me feel less than. I simply experienced the event with my kids. Only we did- and didn't have to share it with 400 people so they could feel part of my family when they aren't.
I have missed some stuff. I have heard "oh didn't you see that post?" a dozen times when people tell me things and I have no idea what they are talking about. I have recieved numerous panicked text messages asking why I deleted or blocked them (including my mom lol). I've had a lot of people ask me why, and say they miss me which is lovely- but it's not like I have been asked to hang out so the missing can't be that bad.
So why? It boils down to a cost benefit ratio.
Is the cost greater than the benefit?
I do this with friends and people in my life also. It sounds callous, but sometimes we need to simplify life. Is this person (or in this case Facebook) adding to my life more than it's taking away? If the answer is no, it's in a negative balance. I simply won't allow for negative balances.
Life can be harder than just deleting a FB account. Sometimes the ties are strong and it's not as simple as clicking Deactivate for people in your life that are sucking you dry. But it should be.
It's more difficult to deactivate family members, and friends that are imbedded in your life. I've been "deactivated" and it hurts. As I get older, I realize that it has less to do with me not being enough, and more to do with the relationship simply not working for the other person. I struggle with that often- rejection. I repeat that "don't take anything personally" agreement at least 5 times a week. I love the 4 Agreements. Sometimes you need to rip out that cancer and deactivate the relationship, or the app, or the job, or the life choices. How can we grow other wise? No one ever said personal growth was easy.
If it isn't working for you, why keep doing it??
Footnote- you know I don't care what you do. I'm not judging or telling you to delete anything. This was the right choice for me and my family. You decide what the right choice is for you and yours. As always, just trying to give people things to think about and create dialogue.
Peace and love <3 and balance. Always balance.
I left Facebook. I know. Shocking. I've blogged about social media before, and my opinions, as well as my issue and obsession with those little red notifications. I figured out a way to manage my business page and then deleted my personal account. THE FREEDOM!! I thought I would miss it. I thought I would feel left out- but I don't. I thought it would be like quitting smoking and consume my thoughts... turns out I care a lot less about the inane details of others lives far less than I originally thought.
I have more time. I have played more with my kids in the last two weeks than in the 3 months before. This morning I helped my kids look for hidden chocolate eggs rather than trying to take the perfect pictures to post. I didn't see the hundreds of pics posted of other people's egg hunts, or the perfect mom's handmade easter shit that makes me feel less than. I simply experienced the event with my kids. Only we did- and didn't have to share it with 400 people so they could feel part of my family when they aren't.
I have missed some stuff. I have heard "oh didn't you see that post?" a dozen times when people tell me things and I have no idea what they are talking about. I have recieved numerous panicked text messages asking why I deleted or blocked them (including my mom lol). I've had a lot of people ask me why, and say they miss me which is lovely- but it's not like I have been asked to hang out so the missing can't be that bad.
So why? It boils down to a cost benefit ratio.
Is the cost greater than the benefit?
I do this with friends and people in my life also. It sounds callous, but sometimes we need to simplify life. Is this person (or in this case Facebook) adding to my life more than it's taking away? If the answer is no, it's in a negative balance. I simply won't allow for negative balances.
Life can be harder than just deleting a FB account. Sometimes the ties are strong and it's not as simple as clicking Deactivate for people in your life that are sucking you dry. But it should be.
It's more difficult to deactivate family members, and friends that are imbedded in your life. I've been "deactivated" and it hurts. As I get older, I realize that it has less to do with me not being enough, and more to do with the relationship simply not working for the other person. I struggle with that often- rejection. I repeat that "don't take anything personally" agreement at least 5 times a week. I love the 4 Agreements. Sometimes you need to rip out that cancer and deactivate the relationship, or the app, or the job, or the life choices. How can we grow other wise? No one ever said personal growth was easy.
If it isn't working for you, why keep doing it??
Footnote- you know I don't care what you do. I'm not judging or telling you to delete anything. This was the right choice for me and my family. You decide what the right choice is for you and yours. As always, just trying to give people things to think about and create dialogue.
Peace and love <3 and balance. Always balance.
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