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Blog - Linda's Views
Did I Say Anything About Me? Did I Say Anything About Me?
 "...the woman in this piece could be you."
Susan Morrison can't sleep at night. Her mind is racing about all the things that need to get done the next day. She taught herself a long time ago that in order to get a start on her day, she just needed to start earlier. She gets up at 4, sometimes 5 AM to throw a load of laundry in the washing machine, sew that patch on her son's cub scout uniform, make lunches for the kids (she loves to send a little note or special surprise to remind them they are loved) Then she is on to getting a start on that report due on her bosses desk first thing, writing a list of clients who need contacted today, and jotting a quick reminder to herself to call the doctor about that curious mole that has appeared on her husbands back.
Her day is supercharged with job and family responsibilities. And when her elderly Father calls she holds her breath in hopes that he doesn't need her today. How could she possibly fit one more thing in her life what with Stacey's swimming meet after school, the baby shower preparations she is making for her best friend and the church bazaar she promised to help organize. Plus it's her husband Joe's turn to have the guys over to the house for the Sunday Colt's game and that means snacks, sandwiches and drinks. Man, those guys can eat.
Writing the above paragraphs of this piece just made me tired. My shoulders are tight, my neck is tense and I feel stressed just writing this scenario. The woman in this piece was me; the woman in this piece is probably or could be you. If notyou, it is someone you know, isn't it? The day of the woman described above goes on in many homes and in many cities and towns. It is a reality to many women.
My friend Jim's son Greg went off to college. He lives in California on the ocean. Greg's a responsible student and a hard worker. Greg also loves to surf and play his guitar. When he began his courses at UC Santa Barbara his academic life ramped up considerably with a difficult course of study, which included hours of library and study time. His existence became one of late to bed and early to rise in an effort to meet all his responsibilities at school. At the end of his first term he called his Dad. "Dad", he said. "I got a B on my Chem exam, an A in comparative literature, and another B in Biology. But Dad, did you hear me say anything about surfing or music?"
Greg had met all of his responsibilities but was keenly aware that the quality of his life includes commitments to himself to do the things he loves. The things that give him pleasure and for which he has passion are important to his overall happiness.
Susan Morrison has great passion for her family and her job. She has passion for her friends and is keen about creating a life where her family knows they are loved, her friends can count on her and her clients are valued. She is blessed with a full and busy life. She wonders why she feels such a strong sense of emptiness at times. Not always, just at times. Why does she feel that strong desire to pull the covers over her head and chuck all the "shoulds" of the day? Like Greg, she's getting all the good grades. What is missing is for Susan?
What is missing for you? What are you NOT taking the time to do for yourself? Do you even know what that is? Do you have any idea what that looks like? If you know what you are missing, make space in your life to get it. If you don't even know what you are missing, but you know it is something; find some quiet time to answer the question for yourself. List all the things you get done in your day and then fill in the blank. Form Greg's question for yourself. Did I say anything about
..?
Learn more about change with the E-Mentoring Program for Change at www.businesswomenconnect.com. Linda Rendleman is available to speak on this and other topics pertaining to business and professional women's professional and personal growth. You may contact her at linda@businesswomenconnect.com or linda@lindarendleman.com
Linda's Views is a Business and Professional Women's Blog
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