The mistake I keep making

The mistake I keep making

I'm doing great! Finally, after all that renovation and fuss! But there's one mistake I keep making, and it sometimes lands me in trouble.

I love being busy

It suits my personality to be busy. Working a lot, and that's why I'm such an easy target for burnout. When I got sick 10 years ago and suddenly couldn't do much, I had to change course. Now, you'd expect a heroic story about turning my life around and not having any problems anymore, right? Unfortunately, my personality and traits remain the same, and I too have to keep working to avoid falling back into my old patterns.

The mistake I keep making

It's so clear and simple! Do you know that feeling? You know you could do things differently, or you realize you're falling back into your own trap? Well, I have it often. The mistake I keep making is putting "being useful" over relaxation and fun. Work, chores, cleaning, even walking the dogs. As long as it's useful, I get a sense of satisfaction at the end of the day, and that's like a drug. And I'm addicted.

Grumpy

If I haven't been useful enough in a day, or haven't finished everything on my to-do list, I have to work hard not to get grumpy. That euphoric feeling of "I've done everything, great!" isn't there, so I find myself in a bit of a slump. Stupid? Yes! Because why do I have to be so incredibly useful all day? Why do I always have to be full speed ahead?

The little things

I don't need to look for answers to these questions anymore. I've had this character trait for years, and I've learned to manage it well. For me, the solution lies in letting go, enjoying life more, and relaxing. Easier said than done?

Yes, sometimes! What works best for me is focusing on the little things . The dogs being funny, strolling through the garden and enjoying all the beauty, the little bird giving me a mischievous look, the first sip of tea with my breakfast, and enjoying reading a book.

The little things show me the way. I become calmer, more relaxed, can let go more easily, and feel the urge to do things just for the fun of it. And voila... back on track!

Do you know this too?

Secretly, I think everyone feels this way. I hope so, because otherwise I might be a bit of a weirdo, haha! These days, we're so busy with everything, and everything goes by so incredibly fast. The little things, the special moments, they quickly disappear like snow in the sun, or we don't even notice them! So now I consciously slow down and suddenly see the sun shining! The leaves on the red trees seem to glow, a blackbird whistles, and Bram stretches again at my feet. What little things do you notice now?

Need inspiration?

I'm inspired by all the little things, and you probably understand why! Painting is still therapy for me, and capturing the little things in life gives me so much satisfaction and direction. You're sure to find inspiration there to enjoy the little things in your own way!