I'm Stepping Down as a Doer and into My Inner Sloth

But what about my doer addiction?

Hi dear friend.

In a world obsessed with productivity and constant hustle, it's time to embrace the art of stepping down and indulging in some chill and relaxation. Yes, you heard that right! Sometimes, the key to true happiness lies in giving ourselves permission to kick back, relax, and accept the joy of TV-series binges and lazy Sundays. Without feeling bad about it.

I have more and more started to explore the delightful journey of stepping down from the "doer" mentality and finding acceptance in the simple pleasures of life and just being.

But what about my doer addiction?

We live in a society that glorifies productivity and achievement. We're constantly bombarded with messages that urge us to do more, be more, and achieve more. As a self-proclaimed doer, I was, and still am some days, caught up in this addictive cycle, constantly striving for more and ticking off endless to-do lists. But let's face it, life is not just about crossing things off the list. For me it’s time to loosen up a bit and embrace the lighter side of life by just being.

So I am trying to step down and welcoming my inner sloth. Sloths are actually one of my favourite animals. Maybe because they move at a phase I can learn from. And their faces, well what can I say, just adorable.

One day, surrounded with a mountain of tasks and responsibilities, I felt stressed and thought to myself; What if I gave myself permission to slow down and embrace my inner sloth? So, I’m declaring the new Zen-period in my life. I have decided to take a step back from the doer race, and allow myself guilt-free naps, lazy Sundays in bed, and TV-marathons that would make even the most dedicated couch potato proud. It is liberating, and sometimes I need to watch myself as my mind is very creative and comes up with new ideas I can work on constantly. That’s also the negative side of working from home, like I do. It’s always there at my fingertips, literally.

Finding the joy in doing nothing takes practice. Well, for me anyway. As I am beginning to let go of the need to constantly do and achieve, I am sloooowly… discovering the pure joy of doing nothing. Those lazy Sunday afternoons is becoming a time for self-care, indulgence, and recharging my batteries. I realized that it's perfectly okay to take a break, have some me-time, and enjoy the simple pleasures that life has to offer, like reading books or chilling in our garden.  So I’m trying to accept the slothful side of life, by deliberately carving out time for stillness, where I can feel more connected to my True Self and cultivate a sense of presence.

Embracing just being doesn't mean giving up on my dreams or neglecting my responsibilities. It's about finding a healthy balance between productivity and leisure. By accepting my slothful side, I give myself permission to relax and rejuvenate, which ultimately enhances my overall well-being and creativity. Plus, who knew that embracing my inner sloth could be so much fun and rewarding.

Today, I understand that finding balance between doing and being is an ongoing process. It requires a conscious effort to prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and make time for activities that bring me joy and nourish my soul. I've learned that taking breaks and allowing myself to recharge is not a sign of weakness, but a necessary step towards personal growth and my overall well-being.

I realize, the more I practice stepping down from the doer pedestal and grounding myself more to just be, is an art form. It requires practice and self-acceptance. I started by scheduling designated lazy days or moments in my week. These needs to be guilt-free indulgences, whether it's painting an entire day, which I truly love, or taking an afternoon nap. Sometimes, the greatest productivity lies in allowing ourselves to simply be.

So, dear friend, it's time to trade in your cape of constant doing for a comfy pair of pyjamas. Give yourself permission to step down and embrace lazy Sundays and relaxing times by just being. Remember, life is meant to be enjoyed, and there's nothing wrong with finding delight in doing nothing. So, go ahead, grab that book that has been collecting dust, snuggle up on the sofa, and embark on a journey of welcoming your inner sloth, one lazy day at a time.

Until next week. Be in gratitude and stay curious.

Kim