Survival Mode

I am often inspired by posts made by my friends, and this one… what a thought!

I think many of us are in this mode right now. We’ve been in survival mode. Keeping things running the best can, constantly trying to stay on top of tasks, always playing catch up, working to get enough rest, and making an effort to (hopefully!) fit in some time for self care… that’s all hard and takes a toll.

So how do I…I mean…how do we cope?

> Keep a list.

I’m a champion list maker. I have a trophy. But I think it’s time I make my list and do better sorting it according to what I need to do, what other people can do, and what isn’t a big deal. I’ll focus on the priorities, ask for help, and let some stuff go.

> Change my scenery.

I need trees and the smell of wood smoke. I need to feel the wind. Camping is good for my soul. I love waking up at my house and going to bed across the country. Traveling and exploring with my husband and kids are my favorite.

> Rest.

None of us… neither you or me…rest enough. I need to sit down sometime. I need a nap, even if it’s for 20 minutes. I need to sit and do nothing…without guilt and feeling like a slacker. (I’m not good at that last one at all. I’m learning.)

> Soak up the good stuff.

I’m super in love with my husband. I love hanging out with my kids. I enjoy good food. I have nice sheets on my bed. I am surrounded by kind, fun people. My work brings me joy. Am I appreciating all this and relishing it enough?

> Keep some perspective.

In the 90’s there was a movie with Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt called “As Good As It Gets”. He was plagued by mental health challenges, and she was struggling with raising a sickly child while working to make ends meet. In a tense moment, one asked the other, “What if this is as good as it gets?”

What if it is? Is there a statute of limitations on Survival Mode? I guess after a couple of years, it just becomes Life.

I’m not lazy, unmotivated, or stuck. I’m tired of being tired and feeling like I’m in survival mode much of the time. I’ve got to work to turn it around. I think it can get much, much better, but if for now this IS as good as it gets, I want to enjoy it, not survive it.