The trouble with “finish strong”
I’ve been forced into stillness this past week thanks to a virus. Resting…as a woman, as a mom, as a small business owner…is not so easy. Am I right?!?
I’ve found myself thinking, “I wanted to finish the year strong.” Or maybe I didn’t think that, but I’ve seen and heard that expression pop up in the past week too much.
What does finishing strong even mean? I didn’t choose to become sick. And becoming sick, it’s just human nature, it happens; it doesn’t mean weakness.
Being sick does mean slow down though. Stop hustling.
So I got mad at “finish the year strong.” I started to pout and be mad at myself.
But once I started to came out of my delirious fever-induced fog of attempting “to just push through and get it done,” I caught myself redhanded flirting with perfectionist culture. In scarcity mindset. And totally having my priorities out of whack. Tight grip on my “$#@& THE PATRIARCHY! keychain.”
Nah. Not me, not now. I’m redefining the end of my year.
The way I am choosing to close out 2023 is by spending these last few days sleeping more, resting more, cuddling more, hydrating more, stretching my body more, taking deep breaths more, and giving my mind-body-soul every last ounce of wellness and gratitude. Wearing my comfiest sweater and my new cozy socks. (And rescheduling my clients and 2-hour my massage, of course!)
Which is in stark contrast to the urge to move, to clean, to tidy, to work (in some capacity), to be productive with my sick time, to feel the mom guilt for not being energetic and lively for my toddler, to feel like I’m wasting the days off due to cancelled clients.
I know I’m not the only one who feels this way when she’s sick.
Time to declutter that mindset.
Finish the year in whatever way will serve you best. Be strong by clarifying what you need to be at peace with yourself as we get ready to ring in the new year. Be brave by asking for what you need and being steadfast in your boundaries.
I inherited a really lovely tradition from an ex-partner which was to do all the laundry & deep clean the house on New Year’s Eve to literally sweep away the past. I love it as a way to end the year by removing the dirt, grime, and mess that’s built up. To declutter and start fresh on 1/1. This year, I just don’t have the energy, the stamina for that.
And so I struggle with that, and I am here to simply own it: I’m a professional organizer going into 2024 without a perfectly tidied home. Some things are out of place. Part of me is antsy about it. Mostly, though, it feels better right now to give myself the much-needed quiet and stillness that is so necessary to healing.
I’m working to accept my end-of-year pause. I know that because I’ve worked so hard to create efficient systems and designated homes for things, and we’ve pared down so much, that when I’m better my whole home will be quick to reset. So, this pain is temporary. And so is my illness.
So, I’m slowing down. I’m doing the bare minimum. I’m asking for help from my family. I’m pressing pause on nonessential work. I’m taking deep breaths and standing firm in my position as the “do more” / “finish strong” / “hustle” gremlins try to mess me up.
I wish the same for you. Not being sick. The same gentleness. The same self-respect and compassion. The same slowing down, intentionality, listening to what you really want and need. Courage to ask, courage to accept.
Happy New Year, and thank you for being with me on the literal best year of my life.
XOXO (but masked), Kim
PS: I’m here for your resolutions and desire (and deservingness) to be more organized, to be less STUCK in your clutter. Book a free call and let’s talk about ways to the cleaner, breezier, calmer side: https://calendly.com/consciouslyclearedandcontainedllc/freecall
PPS: Oh no, and the 12 grapes! I couldn’t go to the store because I’m quarantined!!!!!!!