Rest and Repeat

I see a lot of motivational memes, videos, etc. floating around the Internet. Many with a similar theme, “Don’t ever give up”, “Work harder”, “Put in the extra effort”, “Chase your dreams and keep going until you get them.” While many of these are good messages, I think there is also a danger in this thread of constantly pushing. Hard-charging 24/7 can be exhausting. Moreover, if you don’t have the energy to “Go for it!” these messages can be demoralizing.

I have a smaller, perhaps humbler, message. Little victories. You don’t need to take on the world. You don't need to get up in the morning and charge up that hill - screaming like a banshee. Small victories (baby steps if you will) can be just as satisfying. I do set my intentions on a weekly and daily basis, often in the evening when things are quiet so I can consider what I would like to accomplish the following day. Those accomplishments may not be grand or worthy of a sonnet, but they keep me moving forward. Every now and then, I have a burst of energy and the projects and details just come together and I can ride the wave. However, when the energy is not there and every moves feels like slogging through mud, I go back to the small steps. The accomplishments that keep me in the race, albeit at a slower pace.

When those days arise, and they do, when I can’t even manage that, then I rest. I take the time knowing that even the boldest and bravest of us need to rest and recharge before they can return to the fray and chase that dream again. 

Take good care of yourself.