So I’ve failed miserably. Once again, I set the bar so friggin high and when I realized that I couldn’t reach it, I just stopped trying. You may remember at the beginning of Lent I had this amazing plan of reading and reflecting on Not Alone by Rev. Dr. Monica Coleman. I downloaded the book, set up a reading schedule and began what I thought would be an eye-opening Lenten journey. The last post I wrote was on Day 2. It’s now Day 20 something of Lent. Needless to say, I am behind.
I felt guilty. Once again, I feel ashamed. I’ve been here before. And I’ve written about this before. Damn…
I had an epiphany today. I am a HUGE Dr. Brene Brown fan. Like HUGE. Today I watched her with Oprah on the series Super Soul Sunday. As I am watching and tweeting and being blown away, I realized that I am continuing with patterns that are not serving me well. While I think I have this whole abundant living/embracing my shadow/being vulnerable thing down, I realized that I continue to self-sabotage by not being true to myself. How so?
I mapped out my Lenten plan and decided to take on the tasks of daily reading and reflecting during the craziest time of my life. I was hired for a new position, moved across the country, began a new job, am still looking for housing and am trying to stay on top of all of my wellness tools to make sure that I don’t head back to depressionville before my 10 year cycle is up. So why on earth would I take on one more thing? How unrealistic can I be? And that’s when it hit me – I set myself up by taking on too much and creating grandiose plans instead of living in the moment and embracing my reality.
Even as I had this thought I was like, but plans are important. If I don’t have a plan I won’t get things done. I have to dream big. What will people think? I’m realizing that for a person like me, with the issues, challenges and realities I face, planning and being unrealistic can be crippling and lead to a continued cycle of shame, depression and isolation.
So here’s what’s going to happen dear Shadow Lovers. I’m going to stop talking. I’m going to stop planning. I’m going to lean in and just be. That is the best thing I can do for myself. Join me?
Love,
Me
Embracing My Shadow 
But isn’t what you’re proposing a plan in and of itself? Maybe what you (and probably all of us) need are more realistic, achievable plans & goals! Hope things are going well in the Windy City — we miss you in our group!
It’s time for me to be realistic. You’re right! I miss y’all too!!
Yes. Give yourself a break/brake! You really did over plan. We all do it, and the failure feeling is just too shaming. Relax. Regroup. Grace abounds. Forgiveness is there. Take it.
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2013 02:21:20 +0000 To: elewis61@live.com
I could’ve written this myself. Sending you lots of hugs today.
Thank you!
I’ve been doing this too. Trying to pare everything down so there are fewer commitments and fewer details for my not so organized mind to keep track of right now. The basics are enough.