I know the younger generations are sitting there saying "No duh, Dimwit!" but I come from a generation, although we practically raised ourselves, we were raised to believe that giving your 100% wasn't good enough. If you couldn't go above and beyond, then you weren't doing your best.
It took me getting a chronic illness to learn that I don't have to do everything perfectly. It took a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis to teach me that things can wait for tomorrow to be done or not done at all. I was diagnosed on November 23, 2017 and I am still learning to break the Gen X mindset my boomer parents pushed on me.
It really bugs my brain when I plan out my day and then my illness says "Nah, you're gonna be my bitch today." and then I get nothing done. For example, I have two days worth of dishes sitting in my sink. Yesterday, I walked the dog, fed the animals, swept the living room and hallway, I washed a couple plates and bowls, the silverware, and a coffee cup for this morning, picked up my granddaughter from school, and treated the cats and dog for fleas. I had to leave the rest for (hopefully) today. Yes, that is me half assing a day and it really bothers me I wasn't able to mop my floors or finish my dishes.
Since 2017, I am still learning how to rest. My advice to those who were raised like me, learn to say no and take rest when you need it. Train yourself to say "Today, I am going to rest so I can do better with tomorrow." When you are too exhausted from your personal/work schedule, teach yourself that it is okay to just have a quick wash in the sink instead of the hassle of a shower. Housework piled up for who cares what reason and feels overwhelming? Just take the garbage out. The world will not end if you only give 10% when 100% feels impossible.
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