I was reminded of this recently when I came across a tip for CarePartners that suggested I replace the word guilt with regret. Rather than hold onto guilt about something that happens or a decision I make, the concept is to have regret about the situation, remember that I’m always doing the best I can and then let it go. I like this idea and wondered where I could apply similar tactics in my role? 

What about those days, I had one yesterday, when I am exhausted and just don’t want to do anything? What would happen if, rather than feeling bad about what I am not getting done I acknowledge that I’m having a low-energy day and give myself a break? When I was still working I called them stress relief days and it was all okay, can’t it be the same for me now? Giving myself permission to rest and recuperate is a lot better way to face my exhaustion than denying it and trying to power through because it will eventually catch up with me.

Difficult challenges can become opportunities for growth, giving up certain chores or finding shortcuts can be working smarter not harder, instead of always answering with yes I can say no, not now as I learn to take better care of myself. It matters what I say to myself because those thoughts live in my head. They can either reflect the hard work I am doing in a positive and reaffirming way or they can be negative and leave me feeling like I can never do enough. I know which mindset brings me the most peace.