A Moment of Appreciation

Now we will count to twelve and we will all keep still...What I want should not be confused with total inactivity. Life is what it is about...If we were not so single-minded about keeping our lives moving, and for once could do nothing, perhaps a huge silence might interrupt this sadness of never understanding ourselves. -Pablo Neruda, Keeping Quiet

Last week, I was doing an exercise class that focused on the legs. We did one side, and by the time we switched to the opposite leg, my whole lower body felt sore! I didn't want to move to the right side of my body, as the left side already hurt enough. I considered giving up, when the instructor spoke up. "Instead of focusing on the pain you are currently in and what you have left," she said, "appreciate the work you have already done." In that moment, my perspective totally changed. Instead of dreading the work left to be done, I started appreciating the other side of my body. I may have even congratulated myself out loud. 

As I thought about the work my body had done physically, I found myself lost in a series of personal memories where I had become overwhelmed by the tasks ahead of me. How many times had I spent more time dreading an exam in college than actually studying for it? Or what about the times when I have known I needed counseling but refused to go out of fear of the work ahead. The dread and anxiety about the future can seem crippling and even lead to a type of paralysis. 

But What If We Slowed Things Down? 
Instead of ruminating about our own fear and discomfort surrounding the future, what might happen if we paused to celebrate the small decisions that helped us arrive at our present. 

Is there something in your near future that surrounds you with anxiety? Maybe it's a job you are nervous to apply for, or a conversation with a friend that you are dreading. Or perhaps it is the day-to-day that bogs you down. When my child was younger, I used to lie in bed and think, "there is no way I will have enough energy to make it through tomorrow."

What if we slowed down our worry and replaced it with remembrance? What made you interested in the job you are nervous to apply for? What professional skills are you proud of? What work did you do to attain those skills? Take time to remember what you have done and celebrate your accomplishments. For the mother worried that she will never have enough energy for the next day, remember the work you did that morning! Did you wake up? did you change diapers? did you hold and nourish your child? celebrate the work you have already done. 

As we take time to celebrate our past accomplishments, we can be led to empowerment and find freedom from anxiety. 

Can you pause today to celebrate the small victories in your life? What have you done today that has led you to success? What about in the past week or month?
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At times, our minds are moving so quickly that it seems impossible to slow down to pause and remember. If this practice seems too daunting to you right now, it could be helpful to seek outside help from a counselor. Working with a counselor will not only help you to create more space to make decisions, but will also help reduce overall stress. 

If you can in this moment, I invite you to pause.

Appreciate the work you have already done.