I Don’t Have To

2025 is my year to be here now, but in order to focus on the now I have to remember I don’t have to.

Let me explain.

It’s only April and there have been a number of times I put others before myself- which kept me from being present.

I thrive in a routine. 

I like to know what I am doing and when. This allows me to focus knowing my tasks will get done (and prevents decision fatigue). 

When my routine is disrupted not only do I feel out of control but I feel stressed, which leads to focusing on (aka trying to control) things that I can’t control and are not of immediate importance; or, I completely shut down (do nothing/get distracted) thinking I can do it all tomorrow.

I realize I have not been present the past three (3) months, in fact the opposite; I have spent three (3) months feeling off-kilter, annoyed, and unseen because I continue to accommodate others.

In order to fully lean into being present, to be here now, I need to prioritize myself, including my routine.

And one way I can do this is to remember I don’t have to…

I don’t have to:

• Explain myself.
• Prioritize others.
• Fix what I didn’t break.
• Continually be the bigger person.
• Show up for those who don’t show up for me.
• Sacrifice my happiness and peace for anyone.

🩷J

PS: One of my mentors said something this week that resonated with me and brought me back to my 2025 goal(s). She said,

“You cannot please people and please God.” –Emily Ford

Featured image by Ethan Robertson on Unsplash