I have experienced times when I felt completely depleted and exhausted. I would wake up and dread the day that was ahead, and I often questioned myself why I said "Yes" (or avoided saying "No") to things that didn't compel or excite me.
I noticed that I did not manage my boundaries well and allowed my time to be hijacked (quite often in an unplanned manner) by others. What that translated to was a calendar of back-to-back meetings, long list of to-dos driven by the priorities of others, and overcommitment on deadlines and social engagements.
I frequently ended up in a pool of frustration, resentment and self-blame. Even when I was physically with people I cared for, I struggled to stay present and engaged because I was exhausted or thinking about what was on my plate.
I find that spending time in nature allows me to reconnect with my priorities. Photo taken on my travels in Vietnam.
When I paused and considered what I was experiencing, I found that asking myself these questions gave me clarity and pointed me towards a different design.
What is your current experience of time and how your days and weeks play out?
Are you energised or depleted daily? Can you identify the things or people in your life that contribute to that experience?
Are you often cancelling or skipping out on plans at the last minute? Have you overcommitted or did you say "Yes" to something you did not truly want to do?
If you are feeling physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted, it is a good sign to pause. Make a conscious choice to interrupt your business as usual mode. Start being aware and paying attention to what you are experiencing and spending your time and energy on.
This is the starting point of you designing and creating the life you desire.
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