You Can Do The Thing

— Jane Hirshfield

There are probably some practical things. I can do the splits now and I couldn’t 5 years ago. My son can drive a giant manual transmission semi, hauling steel all over the country. I’m pretty sure he’d never even encountered a real gear shift 5 years ago. My daughter can scuba dive now. She can also move herself across the country and get unpacked in record time. But don’t forget the intangible things. I am so much more capable of letting go of anger now. I am more capable of trusting myself. What do you want to be capable of 5 years from now?

And then what? You may find that what you’ve been working for isn’t even what you want. You’ll reach your goal and it’ll be so wrapped up in other’s expectations that you can’t appreciate it. You’ll feel a little empty, a little dull inside. You won’t remember what you actually like and enjoy and want for yourself. Only what you think other people want to see. A year from now, 5 years from now, 40 years from now, do you want to look back and see that you put all your energy into performing for everyone but yourself? Make a practice of checking in with yourself. Get to know your strengths and values. Sit with your feelings and listen to what they are telling you. You’re worth it.