Batteries Not Included

My cat has a new motorized mouse.  On the box, it said “batteries are included”, and I sighed with relief.  It’s always nice to buy something that is ready to go, without having to take the time to find batteries. 

Without the batteries, it’s useless.

I have been exploring my own, metaphorical “batteries” lately.  There are some days that there seems so much to do that I feel like my batteries are running very low, or need to be replaced entirely. 

The old me would just struggle on, hoping to continue to be productive. The new me, the explorer, is not so sure.  It seems like productivity is a pyramid and at the bottom , the large foundation, is “rest.”  Without that foundation, the pyramid is compromised.

Having dealt with a recent sinus, throat and chest infection, I was forced to rest.  There was nothing I could do about it.  I was not going to get better or get anything done until I allowed my body that rest time.

In short, my batteries seriously needed recharging, or to be replaced altogether. 

I’m realizing that our minds put so many “have to’s” into our realities, and we believe these realities.  Then we get bogged down with the “have to’s” and don’t get to the “need to’s.” By “need to’s”, I mean the essential things we need: taking care of ourselves, eating right, getting enough sleep, relaxation, getting those chores done like groceries and cleaning.  Things that provide that foundation to our lives.

I placed little importance on these “need to’s” for a long time.  Now I am realizing that taking care of the “need to’s” will lead to a stability and focus to then handle the “have to’s.”

But that’s only part of the story.

What kind of “have to’s” is my mind making up, and how much am I believing?  I’m starting to question my mind’s list, and wondering what are actually priorities. 

I believe by taking care of myself, I can rationally handle what my mind is throwing at me.  My mind may even give itself a break if I allow it the relaxation and rest it needs.


Tip: keep fresh batteries on hand.

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