The Summer Blues

I don’t know about y’all but this summer is flying by! The days seem like hours and the hours seem like minutes. To quote Benjamin Franklin,

“Lost time is never found again.” 

Benjamin Franklin

As a full-time working mom to two boys, each with individual activities and wants, I feel as though there really isn’t enough time in a day. And let’s not mention the home: laundry piling up (at this point, I keep washing things over and over again because I keep forgetting to put it in the dryer), to the clutter of the four people who dwell in this home, to the dog who sheds incessantly, and the empty fridge which was completely full two days before and thinking to myself, “How am I going to manage it all?!” 

Put Your Wellbeing First

In the middle of this year’s Olympics, Simone Biles made the bold choice to withdraw herself from competition due to her physical safety and mental well-being. 

Her decision cemented to the world that no matter what kind of expectations others have of her, she will not relent in protecting her own well-being. What an example of self-love! 

This leads me to believe that no matter what you have chosen as your profession, your mental, physical, and emotional well-being should be the utmost importance. I know this to be true, but sometimes I lapse in conviction to keep myself a priority. I am now learning (and will relearn again and again) that keeping myself accountable for the things I do and say will make the learning curve a little less. 

The Summer Blues 

Back to my chaotic life. At times during this summer the “blues” creeped in and I did not deal with them appropriately. 

I began to feel that I was always failing. 

Failing my kids, my husband, my clients, my family and friends. Failing because there wasn’t enough time. 

Then, I listened to a podcast on my way to meet a client. It was Jocko Willink’s podcast with Admiral William McRaven. 

Lessons to Learn (and relearn)

A little bit of background: Jocko is a decorated Navy Seal on Seal Team 3 (google this, as my description will not do justice), Lieutenant Commander and just one bad (bleep). In this particular episode, Admiral McRaven was the guest, whose accomplishment is long and very distinguished. We all remember when President Obama announced to the world that our Navy Seals had captured and killed Osama Bin Laden – well, Admiral McRaven was at the helm of this special operation. 

As much as I can go on with this amazing podcast, I want to highlight two thoughts that these men kept repeating. 

1) Take ownership of your life. Stop blaming how things went wrong because of this or that or this person. 

2) Find ways within your control to make the ownership of your life meaningful. Be honest with yourself. Keep yourself accountable by asking what you could have done to an outcome better. 

So, how does Simone Biles and Jocko’s podcast have anything in common? Simone took ownership of her well-being and held herself accountable, fully knowing her decision would have negative feedback. 

That is what taking ownership is all about. 

We all need to understand the difference between self-accountability and ownership vs. being selfish and self-serving. 

It is not self-serving to speak your truth and take actions to ensure your well-being. It is not selfish to set boundaries. It is not self-serving to seek self-help. 

It is selfish and self-serving if we can’t be honest with asking for time, help, or understanding. Others cannot do for you what you want. You as the individual must self-advocate, even if it is unpopular.