Some of us are in need of healing, but we just don’t have the time. So many things seem more important.
We have an 8 AM meeting and a Monday deadline and a reputation to keep. We’re building things, we’re going places, and, by gosh, we’re getting things done.
And yet we can’t help noticing that things have a way of steering off course. The things we build seem crooked, the roads we take run in circles, the things we get done fail to satisfy.
We’re working hard but we’re not sure what we’re getting in return.
But surely, we tell ourselves, things will sort themselves out if we just keep pushing.
Those holes in our hearts will get filled. Those broken pieces of ourselves will mend. And if they don’t, then we’ll just carry on, even if we have to limp, crawl, or drag ourselves.
Sure, maybe we’re messed up, but no one will reward us for time spent repairing. No one will thank us for attending to our needs. No one will be handing us a trophy, paying us a bonus, or giving us a round of applause.
And yet we can’t help wondering. What would happen if we actually fixed what’s broken?
After all, it’s getting harder to pursue our goals while this thing within us keeps rising to the surface. It’s like being a city planner in the middle of a war zone. How can you pave the streets when someone keeps blowing them up?
Maybe we’d actually be more effective if we stopped pushing on and took the time to deal with what we’ve been denying.
Who could we be and what could our life become if we ended that addiction, broke that destructive habit, mended that torn relationship, or left that toxic one behind?
Maybe the goals we pursue would actually have more meaning. Maybe we’d be better equipped to achieve them, not to mention select them.
Could it be? Are we possibly worth our own time and energy?
We’re admittedly suspicious.
Sure. Our everything for our families, our causes, our work, and our art. But something for ourselves? It seems a tad too selfish, a bit too much to ask.
And, oh my goodness, look – another minute’s passed. I should probably end this post.
We’re busy, right? You have somewhere to be. I have something I need to get done.
But, man, I gotta tell ya. It sure does make me wonder.
How ‘bout you?
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post. Often I find it difficult to pursue my own goals just for the sake of it. I feel like I need to do it for some greater purpose, or for someone other than myself. Sometimes there’s just that one person that you want to acknowledge you and your efforts, but they just seem oblivious, or too busy themselves to notice or care. It’s a real struggle to muster the motivation to succeed.
You’re right. It’s a struggle – sometimes. But it’s worth it, I think.
Ken,
This post came at the perfect time. I found you from the guest post that you did on Charlie’s blog (also excellent). Thanks for this, there’s so much truth here and it gives me so much to think about. I’ve been really in “push” mode lately and it’s gotten to the point where everything feels bad, bad, bad. Out of whack and out of balance. You got me to stop and think about it today Ken, so thank you.
Thanks Cathy.
I always write what I need to hear, so I’m right there with you.
Hi Ken, I read your blog often and just want to say what a wonderful writer you are. I just read this particular post out aloud to my husband and we both reveled at how beautifully you are able to articulate what is in our hearts and our minds. Thank you for sharing your wonderful writings with us artists.
Thank you, Lynda. Thank you.
Beautifully articulated and illustrated! Love that cartoon, Ken! Perhaps all of us “David’s” will get knocked in the back of our knees and on to our tushes by our wrecking balls and give some serious thought, followed by action, to taking care of ourselves.
Wow Ken! All kinds of WOW. Such inspirational and well articulated words. Thanks for the great post. Take care. No no… i really mean it! Please take care and thanks again for the inspired writing
I promise to do that. Thanks, Reed.
Oh Ken. How do you always hit exactly the right spot, the perfect note? All over the web are articles urging us to take “me” time, but they have become background mantras, forgotten in a nanosecond. Then you turn the lens of your mind on an issue (any issue, it seems to me) and jerk us all awake. Thank you.
I hope I didn’t disturb the others in your house, Shirls.