I should be kind to myself
Especially when I'm tired.
Writing this as a reminder to be kind to myself.
I’m really tired and had a melt down this morning thinking about all the mistakes I've made since retiring, and feel getting this off my chest will help.
This week was draining and I know that's affecting how I’m thinking because this always happens when my energy is low.
I haven't been able to exercise since straining my calf on Monday, which is my usual way to self-regulate. Plus the death of Jen's grandfather is having a bigger impact on me than I thought it would.
So I need to cut myself some slack because rushing to Sydney to say good bye, then pack up his things and put them in storage was confronting and sad.
Plus not sleeping in my own bed hasn’t helped, and when I started writing this, I was going to go over all my mistakes as a way to finally put them behind me, and share them so other athletes don’t make the same ones.
That would give me energy, right?
Yes, but I’ve decided to go down a different path and just cut myself some slack and already feeling better for it.
Plus I walked parkrun with my twin girls, and was hard not to smile when they raced ahead and beat me!
Some messages have a funny way of finding you right at the exact time you need to hear them.
Not sure if it’s the universe trying to tell me something, but today, I was sent this Ted Talk by a retired Olympian, and boy could I relate.
In fact, I’m pretty sure any athlete could and it’s left such an impact that I’ll write more about it.
But that’s a post for another day.
So remember Ben…. when tired, be kind.
Totally understand - it’s hard to be kind when you’re not feeling great. You’re not alone, and you’ve done such great work to build a supportive community around you that can lift you up in tougher times.
Agree with Adam about finding other ways to exercise, and get those endorphins pumping - it’s self-care.
Another suggestion: when I was feeling down over Christmas, I made a list of all the little annoying DIY things that were bothering me around the house, and fixed a few each day. Was nice to have a bunch of “little wins” to get a sense of achievement each day. Was surprisingly satisfying. Doesn’t have to be DIY, just little accomplishments that help quiet the negative voices.
We must meet up !
Firstly, most of us have made a few financial mistakes!
Secondly, there are many business opportunities out there. Many ! You have proven your strength, resilience, discipline and commitment. You have great credentials. It’s time to make a move.