"You use up everything you got trying to give everybody what they want." - Nina Simone
I recently heard this Nina Simone quote and was instantly compelled to write it down. How true, and exhausting this can be. This was a word to me; It’s timeless, and can be interpreted in a NUMBER of different ways, but it’s more important than ever.
There’s this notion that we all have ‘all the time in the world’ right now, but it couldn’t be further from the truth for a lot of people- myself included. By my nature, I like to make people happy. But over time I’ve also realized it is also incredibly and unproductively draining, especially when I’ve been spinning my wheels trying to do things from a place of self-imposed obligation, not love.
In this D.C. (During COVID) era, the time I would’ve ordinarily been able to use to be productive or to ‘self care’ feels so finely spliced and pulled into too many directions... I’m working on digging my heels into resisting the temptation to give that valuable time and energy away.
I have realized, however, when I take the time to be mindful and move where my energy takes me, it has served me well, and I feel full instead of drained. And I’ve never felt better about the decisions I’ve made when I do... even when it means staying up an extra hour to write a post ;). I'm just going to keep doing the best I can. And if it's not enough... bah well!
I'm always appreciative of reminders to give myself some grace, so please remember that in case you need it, too.
xo,
Alliah
