Thinking of a career change. Does anyone know the going rate for jugglers? I’ve got tons of balls in the air and just may qualify.
Not too long ago I laughingly shared the above post on Facebook. At that time I was gonna look into prospects of becoming a juggler, because, you know, balls in the air. Then l had to admit that I was dropping more balls than I was catching because I had too much going on.
Juggling Perfection and Efficiency
There’s a thin line between perfection and efficiency both of which I struggle with constantly. I know perfection is highly overrated yet I still become paralyzed when I feel I haven’t given my best. As a life-long abilities crusader (fancy title for advocate), I understand how important it is to be selective. Focusing my time and efforts where they will do the most good is an essential skill. Unfortunately, even with the best of intentions, desiring to do too many things makes me less effective because I become overwhelmed.
I love the following quote because it reminds me:
- my efforts are fruitless when I’m overwhelmed
- it helps me to refocus on my ‘why’
“If I stop to kick every barking dog, I am not going to get where I’m going.”
~Jackie Joyner-Kersee
While advocacy is around the clock, work, a friend reminded me that we should plan our work around our lives. Advocating for Accessibility, Inclusion, and Representation is why I do what I do. However, to be effective, I have to reassess, narrow my focus, and let some things go. Afterall there are over 7 billion people on the planet and none of us have to go it alone. There are many great causes in the world and plenty of opportunities for everyone who so chooses to make a difference.
Taking A Stand To Create Meaningful Change
Placing way too much value on my work and not enough on myself is destructive and I have to change. Because I love what I do here on Bold Blind Beauty and this community means the world to me I’m taking a stand.
When clarity begins to fade something has to give. Here are some of the steps I’m taking to reclaim my clarity and overall sense of wellness:
- Self-compassion: Being kind to myself is the only antidote to self-hatred and unworthiness. Craving acceptance is what led me to believe that my work was the only measure of my worthiness. A recent reassessment of my life revealed the cause of this toxic thinking. Practicing self-compassion and mindfulness are the keys to restoration.
- Flexibility: Embracing flexibility has been one of the best gifts I’ve given me. Changing direction at any given point is a welcome escape from being so rigid and it feeds my creativity.
- Adaptation: Life is constantly evolving and so are we. Recognizing I am not the same person today as I was yesterday means doing things a little differently. Being low maintenance along with the ability to adapt breeds contentment and balance.
- Simplicity: I do not need lots of anything. Cutting the cable a few years back was so liberating. Limiting time spent in other areas like, say, social media can also be freeing. With the exception of Instagram, there isn’t any other social media on my phone. Being connected 24/7 has never been particularly appealing to me.
- My Voice: Remembering my values while remaining true to who I am, keeps me grounded.
The Way Forward
I’ve begun shifting my workload to restore my sanity. Some of this involves asking for help from others and some of it means letting go. While focusing on self-compassion will be my primary goal, for Bold Blind Beauty there will be a renewed emphasis on:
- Women On The Move
- Cane Enabled Series
- Blind Beauty
- Abby Product Reviews
Kindness, compassion, and a deep desire for social justice are central to who I am; these are my values. Bold Blind Beauty was born out of a personal need for empowerment that I wanted to share with others.
I began this post in a lighthearted way to help anyone who is feeling overwhelmed. When you add the need for perfection into the mix it can do a number on your psyche. Please know that if you do feel this way from time to time you are not alone. Sometimes the best course of action is to drop some balls to improve our juggling skills. Here’s to ball dropping perfection! 🥂
Featured Image:
A woman in business attire is juggling a house, alarm clock, cell phone, sippy cup, and laptop.
Additional Image:
Selfie of me, in my bald glory, wearing a white open back top and my grandson is peeping over my left shoulder.