Allowing Everyday Delights

(Even amidst turmoil)

The daily grind can get to us, even if we generally live and work within our overarching purpose and passion.

Accomplishment is rewarding and routine is comforting, yet we often find ourselves day dreaming about doing something different: fancy resort vacations, or cobblestone walks around ancient sites, or new paint/rugs/sofas for the homestead, or possibly a tidy spring garden. Almost anything to break monotony will suffice.

The many tedious tasks currently facing me will be great to have done, but I’m not inspired to actually do them. This is a theme for most of life; how we dispatch our various duties and chores on a daily basis.

Action Before Motivation

Ah, yes. How many times have I reminded students, my own children, or myself of this truism?

The thing is, we generally take action all day long. For instance, today before noon I drove Steve to the train, learned a fun blues lick on guitar, vacuumed upstairs, answered several emails, put an elderly apple out for the birds, reserved a teaching studio in Manhattan, looked up some recipes, secured a venue for my studio recital, brewed some ginger tea, found a laryngeal massage video for a student, ran the dishwasher, and started this post.

Sadly, none of those things are the filing, sorting, purging, gathering tax docs, or anything else on my to do list. Does this sound familiar?

Although, when I stop to think how those never-ending background chores actually support the life Steve and I have created together - a life we really love - I feel less resentful of their tedium. It is a privilege to sit in my safe home and organize the detritus of an active life, afterall. So why do I resist?

It sometimes feels that there is never truly a day off. Having lived our lives as freelance/independent contractors/self-employed/giggers we are in the habit of blurring ‘normal’ boundaries like weekdays and weekends or work hours and after hours. Each day is a list of tasks, planning, and appointments to power through; no end in sight.

UGH

A Spoonful of Sugar

OK, OK, stay with me here. No, I do not believe that there will ever be an element of fun in the crushingly mundane. But the other side of the coin is that tedium does not equal pain, trauma, or oppression (Really. It really does not). Plus crossing off items from the to do list is rewarding. As is finishing something. As is order.

From Grind to Groove

We can talk ourselves into - or out of - just about anything. Actively finding moments of respite within our goal-oriented days reveals validity to small pleasures. Put another way, breaking up the obligatory treadmill-like everydays with little delights can help us to feel less dull and drudge-y, and more playful and light. Or at the very least, neutral, which is WAY better than crabby.

Micro Rejuvenation

Incorporating small things into our everyday life, in between the ‘must get done’ stuff, can be that spoonful of sugar mentioned above (Great, now that tune is stuck in my head!). Not to go dark, but we must be vigilant about staving off burn-out. Burn-out is a whoooooole other level, which we all know from experience is a devastating state. Better not to let it get to that point.

Take just 5 - 20 minutes to find or make little delights in an otherwise ordinary day. What ideas do you have? Here are a few of mine:

Watch the birds - We received a bird feeder as a gift and Steve has dedicated himself to keeping the many species of birds (and squirrels) well fed while food is scarce. They reward us with their beauty and antics. Don’t have a birdfeeder? Any creature in the ‘wild’ (like your back yard or a park) will do.

Create a simple, lovely meal - Chopping, baking, sautéing, arranging, and nurturing our bodies and souls is a reward in itself, and practical, too!

Look at pics of trips, events, hangs, and loved ones - We keep so many photos; it can be wonderful to revisit memories and all the accompanying feels.

Listen to music - Really listen! Maybe even groove a bit. Or sing. Or play an instrument.

Read fiction - Get lost in a story. Try it in a comfy chair with feet up and a blanket (stay away from doom scrolling for best results).

Breathe fresh air - Lower your heart rate, reduce inflammation, and increase serotonin levels while clearing your mind. Ahhhh!

Be alone with your thoughts - Enjoy silence and perhaps a cup of tea. Or close those weary peepers and steal a cat nap.

Create a vibe during a dreaded task - Candles, essential oils, a playlist, a cool glass of water, a little snack, warm socks - whatever makes us feel cared for - can transform travails to treats.

Pet and play with your furry friend - No explanation needed.

We Got This!

A smidge of self-compassion goes a long way, friends. Taking charge of our moods and attitudes is well within our considerable powers. Remember, a healthy mindset is the key to overall well-being. Now, I’ve got a pile of papers to tackle.

May you live in ease and kindness, with a free heart.

Well Canto is a registered trademark.

Singing lessons with Barbara: www.WAVS.info

Well Coaching with Barbara: www.BarbaraShirvisWellness.com