Over the last few years a lot of things have happened in my life (including some ongoing and now potentially lifelong health issues) that are forcing me to examine some of my 'default settings'; among others: putting myself under pressure to be a high achiever, trying to take care of everyone else to my own detriment, and feeling guilty for resting.
If I were a woo-woo type, I'd say the universe is trying to get me to learn to slow down, be gentler, and allow myself to just be plain old me (when I've always felt my value comes from being 'impressive' and useful).
I need to do it, deep down I want to do it (the thought of letting myself 'off the hook' is SO seductive and tantalising), but I'm struggling. Even when I sit down to read a book, I'm hopping up every 5 minutes to do something else. I'm in therapy, so I'm actively working on it there, but I'm also curious about other people's experiences.
If you've been here, what's helped you to move more slowly in life - both ways of thinking, and more practical things? What's made a real difference?
Note: I've been here for years and name changed for this – not a journalist looking for fodder, I promise!