Juggling is really not as fun as it looks. Sure, throwing balls in different directions, and having them land exactly where you want can be empowering. But, in the name of all that is good in the world (Lady Gaga, Jersey Shore, Astros etc.), let the balls hit you in your freshly made-up face and all hell breaks loose. Trying to fit in friends, family, late night cocktails, the male species and a dose of Grey’s Anatomy into one’s life is a challenge. Trust me – striving for perfection in a world that is consumed with getting it all right should not be a goal of yours.
I’ve recently joined the ‘cool people’. You know, the ones who have to be at work at 9am, do the laundry before work if they hope to have pj’s (minus the gigantic toothpaste stain) to sleep in that night, and the ones who trawl the grocery store looking for the latest bargains. Yes, the highlight of my day has become 7:30pm – that’s when Isidingo is on! I have become a working woman. Between the long route to work (filled with people who don’t seem to have ever heard of the term ‘morning shower’) and trying not to pass out during the day, I’ve morphed into someone who tries to fit a million little things into my life before Friday arrives. Note to everyone: Rebecca Black really did know a thing or two.
The point I’m desperately struggling to make is that trying to do it all is hard. I really don’t know how our mothers managed to play superwoman for so long. I mean I don’t even have a kid/goldfish/pot plant to take care of, and even I feel mentally harassed by the to-do-list I have running around in my head every night. I decided to get a diary last week – well actually, it was free, and so my inner Indian couldn’t resist it. I meticulously scribble my tasks for the day, and then begin to stab the page when I have checked something off. Really quite empowering.
I suggest that you save a ‘lil time for your favourite fixation each day. It might not be Isidingo, but hey, if it makes you break out into a cheesy Colgate smile, then go for it! Becoming consumed by work, leaves you with nearly not enough time to play – and we all need a regular dose of play-time in the sandpit (hip flask in hand) every now and then.
I’ve decided to do one thing that I love everyday, which may sound cheesy, but motivates me to get my derrière out of bed every morning. Think about it - strolling through life and checking points off lists, will eventually result in the human race mutating into Eeyore’s. And yes, he may have been cute in a ‘let’s-go-jump-off-a-bridge’ manic depressive way, but he never smiled. Plus, his voice reminds me of those hushed tones which old people adopt when they’re talking at a funeral ("Yes, Johnny was such a good, honest young fella – what a pity").
SO, make your moment today, and do something that forces you into your happy place. Whether it be eating peanut butter on a spoon or doodling a cartoon of your mother-in-law, just do it! Just don’t juggle balls. They tend to fall. Eventually.
