What You Did Do

As an avid journal keeper, I write a summary of each day's events, experiences, and goals met. Of course I write in detail about other things as well, but the issue of what I accomplished sometimes weighs heavily on my mind.

I find myself thinking, What didn't I do today?

I'm sure I can always write a full list of what didn't get done that I either meant to do or simply didn't have time to do.

As I considered this issue, I noticed that my feelings and emotions were getting tied up and weighed down by such a perspective; it certainly wasn't a celebratory energy I was creating.

I knew there was something wrong with this picture. But what to do?

I knew I couldn't pretend to have gotten done what I felt needed doing if I didn't do it, right? I wanted to be a realist about my tasks and to dos.

But that didn't mean I needed to be overbearing with myself over my lack of accomplishment each day.

But that's just it. I WAS accomplishing many things each day. I WAS getting things done. And many of those things are vitally important to me.

So, why wasn't I paying attention to what I WAS doing each day instead of focusing on my "not do" frustration?

That's when I decided to record in my journal what I did do; well, actually, I already do that. But this time I was celebrating what I Did Do instead of just seeing what I accomplished as my status quo, what I simply expect of myself, as what I should be doing.

Celebrating what you do every day is important. It's easy to gloss over doing the laundry. Oh, everybody does laundry. Yes, they do. But you got it done. Everything is neatly folded, right? Or maybe not. But at least it's clean. And that's what matters.

Taking the time to put a smiley face or a check mark or a heart in your journal to show yourself some appreciation for a job well done, is a great way to encourage yourself, to keep at it, and to recognize how you are using your energy for good in your life, in your community, in the world.

Don't dismiss what you have done as something you simply expect of yourself. See it as something worthwhile and pat yourself on the back. Every Day.

Don't skip it. Don't forget it. Don't just keep going on to the next task.
Bask in the moment of what you are doing.

When I began to see what I was accomplishing (and I was surprised when I really took the time to consider it: Wow.), I felt a wonderful shift take place in my energy.

All of a sudden, I felt OPEN. Expansive. Light. Happy.

There was a place for joy, appreciation, validation, and nurture in what I was experiencing.

I felt like my True Authentic Self.

And that's the way it's supposed to be.

So, the next time you're ready to scold yourself for not getting something done, especially if you haven't done it in a while and it's driving you crazy, remember to recognize what you DID do.

Bask in the glow of a job well done. And Smile.
You'll feel energized, lighter and truly YOU.

© 2012 by Dawn Herring