on looking back
As I reflect on the past 365 days, I find myself echoing the perennial question: where did the year go? It always feels just a bit too short, slipping through our fingers like sand. This year, however, has been a journey of self-discovery, a realization that sometimes saying no is the most empowering choice.
In my perpetual quest to fill my cup to the brim, I, an unapologetic extrovert, grappled with the art of refusal. The fear of missed opportunities lingered like a constant companion. But as the year unfolded, a subtle shift occurred. I confronted my reluctance to decline offers, recognizing the toll it took on my well-being.
In the midst of my perpetual 'yes,' I encountered a new dimension of burnout, a level previously unknown to me. It took the observant eyes of others to point out the toll it was taking on me. It was a wake-up call, a stark realization etched in the rearview mirror of time.
Taking decisive action, I embraced the power of saying no. It was a conscious effort to shut down the incessant 'what if' and resist the urge to leap into the 'what next.' This pivotal moment led to a radical change—a lateral move that, at first glance, seemed like a step backward.
In the process of wrapping up ties with a client, I liberated precious time and, more importantly, my creative energy. The decision to prioritize my mental well-being over financial gains felt like hitting the reset button on life. The clean slate was a canvas waiting to be adorned with newfound clarity and inspiration.
Yes, I lost money, but what I gained was immeasurable—an influx of creative vigor, a refreshed perspective on life. The price tag on this rejuvenation was insignificant compared to the invaluable sense of renewal. In the end, the year taught me that sometimes, in the simplicity of saying no, we discover the profound joy of reclaiming ourselves.
This post is part of a blog hop with Exhale—an online community of women pursuing creativity alongside motherhood, led by the writing team behind Coffee + Crumbs. Click here to view the next post in the series "365 Words".