You might wonder how ... applies to loving ... Well, if you ... and are anything like me, you'll put ... off, and put ... off, all the while nagging yourself a
You might wonder how procrastination applies to loving yourself. Well, if you procrastinate, and are anything like me, you'll put something off, and put something off, all the while nagging yourself and feeling worse and worse about yourself. We put ourselves through so much--when really, we should just accept that we need to get to our goal slower, or even just be goal-less for a while.
I think that there's often a good reason for procrastination. Our society sees procrastination as a negative thing--what are you doing putting it off; just get it done--but I think it's a message to ourselves that we are not quite ready to do something yet. And that's okay.
Sometimes we need to take our time getting there. This is often true with creative solutions, thoughts, and the creative process in general, that there's a period where we must put aside the problem or goal and stop consciously thinking about it, almost put those thoughts into temporary hibernation. We may feel like we're doing nothing, but actually things are moving under the surface, even (or perhaps especially) when we're not aware of them. It's a kind of incubation period for creativity and change, and a part of the process. It's important to give yourself the time to just "do nothing," while thoughts are working themselves out deep down inside, on a subconscious level.
Or maybe we have to get past an emotional block before we can do whatever it is we need to do, or think we should be doing. Or maybe there's something else that needs our attention and emotional energy more than the thing we think we should be doing.
By allowing ourselves to take the time we need to take, we nurture ourselves. By accepting that procrastination may even be a positive thing, and by letting go of the constant nagging (which doesn't help you get there any faster, but only makes you feel worse) and the self-criticism, we help ourselves feel better about ourselves--and in so doing, we may even get to where we want to go faster, or along a better route that we hadn't seen when we set ourselves the goal. Even if we take a long time getting where we think we should, by allowing ourselves that time we respect our feelings, our needs, our selves. So give yourself a break. Let yourself procrastinate--and know that it can be a healthy thing.
© Cheryl Rainfield, 2002
http://www.CherylRainfield.com
All rights reserved.
* * * *
If you like this article, you may post it on your website or use it in your print publication, as long as you provide a link back to my site (http://www.CherylRainfield.com), and credit me. I'd also really like to know where you put my article, but you don't have to let me know in order to use it.
* * * *
Give Yourself Positive, Nurturing Messages
I don't know about you, but I find that negative or hurtful messages zing their way into me faster and easier than positive ones. If, in an hour, seven people gave me real, glowing ... and onFollow Your Dreams
Dreams. What are dreams? Dreams are soul food. Dreams are things that give us hope. And when they come true, they often give us joy and ... Dreams are ... for us to hold onto, and to follMastering the Art of Self-Love: Essential Strategies for Personal Acceptance
Self-love is an essential component of mental health and overall well-being, yet many find it challenging to embrace. Particularly for individuals who have experienced trauma or abuse, the journey towards self-acceptance can be fraught with internal criticism and societal pressures. However, with intentional practice and strategies, cultivating a loving relationship with oneself is achievable. This article explores practical tips and insights to help you nurture self-love and improve your relationship with yourself.