One third into my month-long practice of morning and evening Affirmations spoken in front of a mirror as explained in Jon Acuff’s latest book, “Soundtracks.”
How do I do my best when I don’t feel my best? I think this is a really important place of redefining how you think about BEST and WORST and your long-term goals. So I don’t feel good right now. I’m a little run down, my body is tired and the energy I had just three days ago is at present, unattainable no matter how deep down I dig.
How do Affirmations like, “I’m not leaving this room, I’m launching from it” play out when you launch looks more like a very slow shuffle? Like yesterday’s post, I can see where my tendency to shelf this practice for a couple days to get back into fighting form would come up in my brain as an option. I can also see how my brain might tempt me to believe that doing my best even when I’m sick means double dose of espresso caffeine and whatever stimulants and energy drinks you can find to overcome and mask your physical weakness.
It’s that second one that is far from anyone’s idea of best. And it’s a trend that is single-handedly chipping away at strength, clarity and performance, not to mention joy and peace, in our culture. Treating ourselves like a resource meant to be depleted, ignoring signs of illness be it physical, emotional, relational, spiritual or professional is the opposite of doing one’s best while feeling bad. Turns out, if the goal can’t happen without me and if I’m central to my own story in this life, then when I’m unwell and off, doing my best means making choices to get healthy again. I don’t want to do harm to myself or my life by proving to the outside world what a total beast I am when it comes to working no matter what.
I am going to do VBS this morning and sing and dance for three hours. I am going to lean on my bandmates to get us through this session. I am drinking as much fluid as I possibly can in between songs. I am coming home and doing my afternoon appointments in pajamas.
WE know what it means to do our best when we’re at full capacity. We may not spend enough time planning for what our best means when we’re under-capacity, off or ill. The affirmation, “I know that doing my best starts with thinking my best.” works in every scenario no matter if you’re crushing it or being crushed. The answer changes, but the thought stays the same. Have a great day.