“Most successful people are just a walking anxiety disorder harnessed for productivity.” Andrew Wilkinson
I resemble that remark more than I care to admit. In the last quarter of 2024, I saw that we were overbooked and I continued to accept more work. The proverbial “straw that broke the camel’s back,” though, was our inability to make a unified and collaborative decision about bidding on a home. I think it’s fair to say that our clients never suffered, but we did.
Making mistakes is correctly identified as a way to learn and grow, BUT there’s something in yoga we call the hard edge (versus the soft edge) where a stretch can lead to an injury. In my life, I’ve learned the hard way that the hard edge hurts.
In America, the workaholic is often seen as a reliable go-getter who makes things happen. We reward these people with opportunities, promotions, money, praise and power. And then many (not all) fall apart, drink more or need a little time in the hospital with the fellas in white coats. A few are able to handle the pressure through an almost magical ability to balance their lives, but there’s always a cost somewhere down the line.
Since I stopped drinking, finished raising our children, moved to a more rural location, and continued to improve my conscious connection to body, mind and spirit, I’ve been more successful without stressing myself out. This is a great accomplishment.
However, there are still times when I encounter a situation tailor-made to kick my ass. Such was the case in the last few months. I may have lasted 15 rounds without a knockout, but I got knocked down.
I am not alone in this. In fact, I guarantee that most Americans reading this are in one way or another feeling broken or exhausted. The last two years have been brutal and we’re still in a horrible mess.
Clearly, we are in need of more rest, less anxiety and compassion. May we find the soft edge, give and receive love and heal our broken, exhausted selves.
