Maybe Nothing Needs Fixing Today

Oct 4

2 min read

I have a lot of girlfriends. Some that I connect with occasionally, others that I am in touch with almost daily. I have girlfriends that I see at networking events and some in my neighborhood. Recently, I have noticed a common thread in our conversations. It’s that we all seem to be in problem-solving mode.

And, we’re tired.

For some of us, it’s that the rhythm of our life is off and we are trying to figure it out. A few feel strain in their relationship and they replay the conversations, looking for another way to explain or diffuse or even better understand. And some are worried. They are worried about a child, a parent, or sibling, so they start thinking steps ahead to figure out a solution.

They do this without anyone asking.

We do this.

We solve problems.

But today, we are tired.

So, maybe today, nothing needs fixing.

No, that doesn’t mean that everything is right in the world. It just means that for today, we can pause and take a deep breath and focus on regulating our own nervous system.

Today we can give ourselves permission that we don’t have to solve everything in the moment we feel it. Sometimes, it’s okay to let something be unfinished, let the questions linger, allow the conversation to take place later. That means the one happening in your head too.

There is a tiredness that we know collectively that comes from believing we must constantly be working on our lives, our relationships, and on ourselves.

Processing

Understanding

Healing

Growing

Improving

Even the intentions we set, the good things we plan for and desire can begin to feel like a burden if we don’t take time to pause…to simply be.

We need days that aren’t full of projects. Days where we can explore, what would feel good today?

What if you gave yourself permission to:

Take a walk and enjoy the quiet of nature.

Call someone who makes you laugh.

Read a book in your most comfy chair.

Make something with your hands.

Go to bed early.

Or, do absolutely nothing useful for a little while.

I promise, the thing that feels heavy will still be there tomorrow along with your list of tasks and appointments.

But maybe by giving yourself some space the heavy things may land differently. We don’t have to earn rest by getting everything done first and every difficult situation or day doesn’t have to be a lesson. Sometimes it’s enough to just let it be a day.