Accepting Who You Are Now
Accepting Who You Are Now
Learning to be happy with what you're able to be, do, and accomplish--Now.
I was writing in my journal reflecting on how productive I’ve been today and feeling extremely grateful.
Grateful for the energy and ability to take care of some things I’ve honestly let slide and avoided for longer than I will ever admit.
My floors got vacuumed (thanks to Roomba) and mopped with the ease of a Swiffer wet jet.
I finally put clean sheets on our unmade bed. I cooked a meal and made a little extra for another meal.
I did some exercises, read a little, and journaled.
And, I wrote this newsletter!
All things that you might think are no big deal. We have to do these inconsequential things daily to keep life flowing smoothly.
But when you are someone like me, with disabilities, mental health issues, and neurodivergencies, these menial, simple tasks become exponentially harder.
As Gen Z says — IFYKYK. (aka: If You Know, You Know.)
You might not face those same difficulties as me, but maybe you have in the past or know someone who does.
Or, maybe you never thought about it being difficult for people to manage everyday tasks without difficulty.
If you find it easy, I am so happy for you because it is such a drain on the body, mind, and soul to NOT be able to fully function.
But when you are someone like me, with disabilities, mental health issues, and neurodivergencies, these menial, simple tasks become exponentially harder.
I used to be an extremely overachieving, perfectionistic people pleaser who mostly did anything because of fear of not being good enough and disappointing someone (my spouse, my boss, my coworkers, my kids, and myself.)
But facing a tough situation that lasted years and drained every ounce of my being changed things.
For me, it was putting life on hold to help raise my grandsons.
For many of us, it was COVID shutdown.
For others, it was and is losing a parent or close relative, a job or career, and other numerous types of losses and disruptions.
Something that knocked you off your feet and threw you into a world of chaos.
Something that made you have to look at life differently and alter how you felt, how you approached life, how you managed each day.
For at least 7 years now, I’ve had to learn how to accept a new normal.
I fought it for a long time. I was bitter and angry. I wanted my old life and schedule back.
The new challenges I’ve faced were sometimes too daunting and I wanted to give up.
It’s only today that I realized, that the old version of me and my life no longer exists. The “new normal” is now … Normal. I kept working on getting BACK to 100%.
But I’m realizing I am at 100%.
For this version of Dawn. Now.
The me who has to take each day as it comes. Who sometimes can do all the productive things in one day, and then has to rest for another week. Sometimes two or three.
I have a new set point. It’s okay to do what I can do when I can do it, as I can do it.
I’m learning to set and keep boundaries for myself and with others. To not push myself beyond my capabilities and work within a new energy budget.
I’ve learned to honor my needs, respect my boundaries, and most importantly, my limitations. I refuse to let them define me.
They are a “part of” me and who this version of me is now. But they don’t define me.
Acceptance of who I am and what I can do is key to a fulfilling life.
Not what a boss thinks, or my partner, or kids, or coworkers, or whomever you might feel is judging you and holding you to a higher standard than you can meet.
The only thing today, right now, that matters is what you think and feel about yourself.
Even if your level of productivity looks different than someone else’s or what it used to be for you.
It’s okay to be a different version of who you once were and live life within that “new normal.”
This affirmation came to me and I’m sharing it with you today:
“I am 100% who I am meant to be right now.”
Say that to yourself and truly mean it.
Save this graphic to your phone or take a screenshot to share with others!
I’m curious if this post resonates with you today.
What is something you can look at with fresh eyes and an accepting heart about you right now?
I’d love to know!
Your friend,
Dawn-Renée
Keep scrolling for a recommended resource you might like!
Recommended reading:
The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr (Author), Tony Schwartz (Author)
Summary:
The Power of Full Engagement argues that our performance and well-being hinge on managing energy, not time. By understanding and optimizing our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual energy, we can achieve peak performance and greater fulfillment. The book provides practical strategies to balance energy expenditure with renewal, ultimately leading to a more energized and effective life. *provided by Gemini AI powered by Google.
Note: You don’t have to be a parent or caregiver to be stressed out! You can benefit from these recommended resources too.
And please, pass this on if you know someone who is a parent or caregiver looking for coping strategies, tools, and resources to stress less and enjoy life more.
I agree! Accepting ourselves is so important for mental health. Do what you can and be fine with it. Other people’s expectations have let me feel bad about myself but the me today is better about doing things that bring me happiness. I am thankful for that!