Today, I Confess: Some things are NOT working in this season of life...
It's that time again, friends... time for me to share things that are NOT working in this season of my life.
(If you're not otherwise aware, I have a quarterly-ish practice of sharing What's Working on the podcast, and What's NOT Working here in Confessions).
You can find a full listing of other installments in this series in this week's Episode Notes.
So, let's get right to it. Things - big and small - that are not working for me in this season:
First Up, Digital Clutter:
10 years ago, we could not imagine how much effort it takes to maintain organization in our digital landscapes today.
โ
In fact, the *selling point* of storing our lives online was to save physical space.
...fast forward to today and my digital life is stressing me out just as much as my physical stuff. My devices are constantly out of storage space, and I find myself just as reluctant to get rid of online photos/downloads/files as I am to get rid of the clutter from my closets.
It's good stuff! What a happy memory! I will regret getting rid of this someday! ๐
I find being a parent, piano teacher, and content creator to be a triple-whammy. I have so much virtual stuff. SO MANY VIDEOS (which take up a lot of space).
I often shake my head and laugh at how - when Google Photos launched, we all thought they were giving away *so much space* for free. Little did we realize they were playing the long game. They knew it would only take a few years before we maxed out those limits and needed to pay for storage.
(Not to mention, they also knew most of us would feel too overwhelmed by the prospect of moving elsewhere to do anything but pay up at that point).
Consider this your friendly reminder that nothing is free, friends.
Also, send help. I need it.
(She does not know I'm doing this, but this *is* the perfect time to mention my friend, Amy Chaplin's Digital Organization Retreat. If you're looking for dedicated time to work on cleaning up your digital life, she's got your back. If I can swing the schedule, I'll be there too).
Second on today's list: Imaginary Interactions
...I *know* I'm not the only one who struggles with this one...
Lately, I keep tripping across the reminder that NO GOOD comes from imagining conversations in your head.
I seem to be really good at convincing myself how an interaction is going to play out (and it's never good...or accurate).
I think I know what's going on with one of my children... until I actually talk to them and find out I'm wrong.
I think a student might be ready to quit lessons... until I actually talk to them and find out I'm wrong.
I think the man hiring me for a gig is going to be a jerk... until I actually talk to them and find out I'm wrong.
....sensing a pattern here?
I am constantly astounded how I good I am at using my imagination for negative purposes. Why don't we spend our time dreaming up best-case scenarios instead of the worst?
I don't know, but I hope you'll take this as a reminder from me: Stop imagining how the conversation is going to play out and just go have it!
Third (and final) on today's list? Apparently GETTING DRESSED is not working for me. ๐คฃ
My husband and I celebrated our 20-year wedding anniversary last night. After a lovely dinner, we stopped by my in-laws' home to pick up our youngest. I took a moment to look down and realized THIS:
I'd been out the entire evening without realizing I was wearing two different shoes. ๐ซข
It was so ridiculous; we had to laugh.
I guess this is the danger in owning the same shoes in multiple colors. ๐คท๐ปโโ๏ธ
(please note: earlier that night, I also had to enlist Michael to pull the tag off of my new dress in the parking lot, so I'm doing GREAT over here.)
...all that to say, tracking What's Working and What's Not doesn't always have to be HEAVY work. Sometimes you just need a reminder to slow down and - you know - dress yourself properly! ๐คฃ
Now it's YOUR turn, friends! Click REPLY and let me know what's working - or what's not - in your life these days.
(While I am colossally terrible at replying, I truly do read every response).
๐ฅ May we all take time to NAME the things that are bringing positive and negative energy into our lives. Even when change feels impossible, there is power in noticing. ๐ฅ