Too Much Pressure

Pressure. What’s that about? The holidays are coming. There’s lots to be done. Do you feel the pressure yet? I know I do. Only, for me, it’s not about the holidays. It’s about all the things on my list that I’m supposed to do TODAY that will likely get put off until tomorrow.

Why do we fall into the habit of putting pressure on ourselves? Is it really all that important that these things we hold in such high regard happen on time? When you boil it down, what’s really going to happen if your tasks are not completed?

I found myself in a frenzy of stress and pressure when the calendar flipped to October last month. I was in the midst of back-to-school adjustments, resolved to exercise early in the morning a few times a week, and wanting to really push forward with work now that the kids weren’t home all day long. My calendar was booked solid, with barely enough time left for me to sleep and brush my teeth.

Then, one morning, as I woke up in the dark and started to get ready for my activity-filled day, it dawned on me that I’m the only one in the house who is awake. I asked myself why? What was it that I cared so much about that I would deprive myself of basic needs like rest and enjoyment? I thought about this for a couple of days, and do you know what the ultimate answer was?

Nothing.

There was nothing compelling me to work so hard. The only thing really at stake for me was my sanity and my relationship with my family. But the problem was, all the effort I was expending was working directly in opposition to what mattered. So it was time to re-think my commitments and to re-adjust my routines.

I sat down to write out all of the commitments I had agreed to, and the responsibilities associated with each one. Then I decided exactly what I needed to do in order to fulfill my obligations sufficiently. After reviewing my list, I realized that to follow through on the commitments I had made, all I needed was about 3 hours per week. That’s it.

So why was I so swamped?

It turns out, I was forgetting to maintain my focus on my own well-being. I was allowing other people’s wants and needs to come before my own, and as a result, I was unable to help or serve anyone very well at all. This is a lesson I’ve learned many times, as I’m sure many others have learned too. Now – as the holidays approach – is a great time to notice whether you are focused on your needs, or the needs of others. Make plans for relaxation and play this season, so you can live a lifestyle that will support and nourish you. Then the efforts you give to others will be magnified and appreciated so much more.

How to Dress for Portraits

This little guy was dressed so well for portraits! He looks stylish, coordinated, and clean. But what I like most is that he’s comfortable so he can relax and focus on being himself. There’s enough distraction with a camera around; who needs uncomfortable clothes on top of it? I always aim to reflect the moment, and the subject for who/what it is. These parents knew that to have a comfortable portrait that reflects their son’s real essence, he needed to be relaxed and comfortable.

And while we’re here . . . there’s a lot to ponder about the composition in this photograph; especially the use of lines.