The Month of "No."

 

Many years ago, I saw the musical, Camelot on the big screen. One of the big numbers was about "the lusty month iof May." A time whare everyone tosses self-control and does everything and anything with no regrets. It was all invigorating, and quite literally exhausting just to watch.

Every May that kind of spring fever/frenzy hits and my real life can become just as frenzied as life on the screen. 

Now, the Earth has swung half-way around its orbit. It's November 2024, the season of NO.  

No & not right now, words that help keep us from being stretched too thin. They give us time to rejuvenate our healthiest selves. Schedules are nice, but - don’t feel tied down. Learn to extricate yourself from commitments with grace. That includes saying no to good things too - even to things you want to do. Create routines that nurture you. Take any snatch of time for unwinding, rest, and rejuvenation. Renew and relax, even if you only 10-15 minutes at a time. Self care does not require a grand event, like a day at the spa. Embrace the changes that bring you joy, both big and little. Matching towels or new lingerie are small things that can make you happy.

Lean into community, the people who celebrate you. Don’t overbook activities. Don't forget that your family, especially children suffer when the adults around them are unhealthy. You are IRREPLACEABLE in your child's life, so relax and be the best you you can be!

Sometimes you NEED help. For some of us, there is a deeply rooted belief that we should not seek help, either physical or mental. That doing so is a sign of weakness. As if we’re supposed to be superwomen and supermen. learn to seek out and accept help. 

 Overcome the need to please disease.  Give yourself grace and permission to say no with confidence and without regre. Know that not everything will end up picture perfect, and that’s okay.

For now, let's recharge our batteries and respect our limits. And know that the world will keep turning. May will come again.