Go with the flow (in any direction)
Let’s cut to the chase: there are going to be days where we cannot get anything done. We have all been there. Days of lofty plans and elaborate to-do lists that end up in dust. Days of procrastination and reality tv show binging (hello Love is Blind Japan!). Days spent vertically on the couch. I am finding that these particular days, the off-days, seem to exist in multitudes, and I am beginning to realize that when they occur for me, it is best not to push myself too much. A little shove to do the bare minimum feels okay, but anything pass that ignites an inner resistance. I can lean into what the off-day calls on me to do (rest!) or run the risk of feeling even more tired and irritated.
In direct opposition to the off-days are the days of flow.
Days of flow feel effortless. Everything is getting checked off my to-do list with time to spare. I don’t burn my morning toast and new ideas for my writing just keep flowing out of me, some of them making it onto paper. My typical anxious thoughts are quieted and I am in a state of just being. I feel at ease and content with even the smallest of accomplishments. It is difficult to replicate days like those, it’s almost as if they require a small dose of magic. I do the only thing I can do, I enjoy the ride.
Lastly, as with anything, there are days that are going to be a mixed bag, like today. It didn’t start like a flow day (especially since I am not home but on family vacation at my in-laws in Florida). Truthfully, it feels more of an off-day, but I still wanted to write and finish this piece. Somehow, journaling some random thoughts, helped me initiate a little bit of a flow, enough to get the words out, reader. I needed that little shove I spoke about earlier, I rode it to finish my thoughts for this piece. I plan to honor the rest of my off-day after this, and just lounge by the pool.
On an off-day I float into rest, and on a flow day I am already rested and I participate in my soulful hobbies with a natural ease. Both types of days are urgently needed to nourish the waves of life, and I am constantly reminding myself to not fight them in the quest for endless productivity or endless escapism, but to lean into them and just receive.
As always, thank you for reading.
The ebb and flow of our lives. We've all experienced those off-days when productivity feels like a distant dream, and it's comforting to know that we're not alone in this. Thank you, Helen, for sharing these thoughtful reflections. Be kind to ourselves and go with the flow when needed. Keep writing and sharing your insights—they resonate with many of us!
What an insightful piece exploring the contrast between days that flow smoothly and those that feel challenging. You offer great guidance on navigating these variations without self-criticism, ultimately achieving a harmonious balance between productivity and relaxation.