Dear
I've just returned from 2.5 weeks in beautiful, sunny South Africa. (You may or may not know that we live in London now). I'm thankful to say it was a glorious time with family and friends.
The original reason for our visit was my hubby's 40th School Reunion. And my word, was it wonderful to see all the "old boys" together after so many years!!
It was also, as you might imagine, a very busy time. There are so many precious people we wanted to see and couldn't.
Amongst other activities, we spent 2 days at Nambithi Hills Private Game Reserve with 8 school friends-plus-wives.
It was a time filled with much gratitude for re-connecting and catching up, great food, amazing game drives, and 5 star treatment.
It was ALSO a time of little sleep. We were up at 5.20 am for Game Drives at 6 am, and went to bed around midnight after leisurely dinners, sitting by the fire, comparing photos of the day's viewing, and funny stories of school days.
One evening, I decided my introvert-self needed sleep and alone time FAR MORE than all the lovely stuff around the fire.
Normally, the good manners my folks taught us would require me to say a polite goodnight to everyone. I knew, though, that might lead to something like this: "Nooo! You can't go to bed already - you have to stay - there's still so much to talk about! Sit down - Have another drink!"
My tired body and brain were just not in the mood for that. To be my best the next day, would require me throwing my good manners over board. (Sorry Mom.)
I snuck away from the chatty group, prepared for bed and had a good night's rest.
Too often, we worry about what others might say. Especially if you're a sensitive person who cares about the opinion of others, it may happen that you put your own needs last, and follow the group energy against your internal compass of what's good for you.
I'd love to share these few words with you, if you struggle with putting your needs first, like I sometimes do.
"Your best doesn't mean pushing yourself to your breaking point. "Your best" means the best you can do while being the best you. Get enough sleep, give yourself breaks, listen to your limits. "Your best" is better when you're happy and healthy."
Oh - and I have no idea whether anyone but Andrew even noticed I was gone. Nobody said a word they next day. They were all too busy having fun.
That's what we forget... We THINK people will have a lot to say, and it might not even be true. It could be I constructed that story in my head that people would try to get me to stay - and yet maybe they would have chimed in with "Sleep well! I need some rest too, I'm coming with you!"
I had a conversation this week with a new friend who reminded me how important it is to investigate the stories we tell ourselves. Are they really true? We sometimes suffer endlessly due to to our stories... we believe the words in our head, and the feeling in our bodies. They FEEL so true, don't they? Then we ACT from those stories - and keep recreating the same results.
Some of the work I do involves helping sensitive introverts to let go of those limiting stories. If you have one you're tired of, and you don't quite know how to leave it behind, please feel free to reply. Two of my private client slots have opened up recently. I work by invitation so we'll get together for a complementary conversation, and if we're a great fit, we'll dive in and do some
gentle story-debunking.
Wishing you wellness, ease and self-care
With love,
Liesel
