Finding joy in the waiting does not mean you are giving up. It is saying “this, right here is enough as I wait for what’s to come.”
Morgan Harper Nichols
Hi friends! I’m switching things up on the blog today and sharing a personal post on where my feelings are at when it comes to being okay in the moment. I ramble on at times, but I hope some of you can relate and know you are not alone. Let’s get into it!
Throughout this past year, it’s felt like one giant waiting game. And if I’m being honest, it felt like that even before the pandemic hit. But during pre-COVID times, I had a lot of external distractions that took my mind off of it.
So when the world came to a complete stop in 2020, it put everything into perspective.
The absence of events, social gatherings and “busy weekends” (that so often fill up our calendars) allowed me to realize the pressure I felt to be perfect and accomplish big things for me and my family. I’m waiting to buy a house, waiting to get a dog and like everyone else, waiting for the pandemic to be over. So with all of that said, I’m not okay with being in the moment at times
It all stems down to constantly chasing what’s next and what should be next because of society and family standards. Even during the insane year we had in 2020, I still felt pressure to achieve greatness or else I was a failure.
The comparison game is REAL and social media enhances comparison times a million. We are constantly fed with everyone’s highlight reel. And when you’re feeling down on yourself, doesn’t it feel like everyone’s buying a house, getting pregnant or starting an amazing business?!
But it’s so important to remember that everyone is on their own timeline and it’s absolutely okay to be on a different one.
After having too long of a pity party and feeling insecure, I realized this negative way of thinking is not healthy. So I went outward and listened to podcasts like this one from Brene Brown on chasing and stretching behavior. I read articles I could relate to, like this one from Wit + Delight. And it started to help. My mindset was shifting from “I need to move on to the next thing ASAP to be successful” to “look at how far I’ve come + what I have.”
I was also influenced by Morgan Harper Nichols’s daily newsletter of inspirational words and poetry. The quote at the beginning of this post is one of my favorites by her. It really helped me understand that with each day, I’m growing in more ways than I know. Things will happen in due time.
It’s okay to let things unfold at their own pace.
When life is moving at a slower pace, it’s the perfect time to reflect and be proud of yourself. Instead of chasing for the next thing, I’m learning it’s the slow moments in the waiting that bring me happiness. For example, I love our drives around Massachusetts. We’ve explored so many new places! I’ve picked up new hobbies like yoga and have felt stronger in my mind + body. I’ve learned so much about the world in politics, culture, and environment by listening to podcasts on my long walks.
Although those things aren’t flashy big accomplishments, they’re pretty damn important. Even if others can’t see it. It’s fully allowed me to be okay in the moment and appreciate what I have. So if you’re feeling this way too, know you are doing enough, you have enough and you’re growing in more ways than you realize.
x Christine
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