What is Your Policy?

I was talking recently with the wonderful Laamie Young of Blank Verse Jewelry.  We agreed that so many of us suffer from too much-itis.  We do too much and find it difficult to say no to anyone.  Whether it’s for our job, our business, a friend, loved ones or just anyone in need.  It’s like we’re all obligated to say yes all the time.

Perhaps, as Laamie pointed out, it’s a matter of policy.  Of knowing what your policy is.  A nice, tight description of what you will and will not do, before the request is proffered. At the moment of asking then, you know what to do, how to answer.  And don’t have to automatically say, “Sure!”  You are aware of either what you will or will not do, or have tactics for buying yourself some time before you agree.

We’ve talked about boundaries in the personal growth world for a long time.  It’s a great tool to keep balance in your life.  It helps you to relax, knowing where you belong. That if you decide to step over those boundaries, you do it knowing full well what it means.  But if not, you can stand firm beside the policy you’ve created.

Restrictions are created by others, by outside influences. Boundaries are self-created and based on things like making sure we don’t do too much or stretch ourselves too thin.  That we stand by our principles.  Remembering that if we don’t take care of ourselves, we are of little good to those asking for us.

We all must make our own policies, set up our specific boundaries.  Based on who we are and what we want, what our goals and beliefs are.

Looking ‘Round the Corner

I’ve discovered an interesting phenomenon lately.  Wise and talented Blank Verse Jewelry designer, Laamsha Young, assured me that I am not alone in this.

I find that I am constantly looking around the corner.  Not content with what I’ve just done, I have to turn around to look at everything else that needs to be done.

Sure, I finally accomplished this goal, but there are 35 behind it, waiting for their chance.  When am I going to get to them all?  So I lost 5 pounds. I still have15 more to go!  All of sudden, my good feelings of accomplishment have vanished in the face of all that’s left.

Perhaps it also includes the propensity to wrench my neck as I peer around the corner and see myself dealing with something similar in the past.  I’m wondering, why is it coming ‘round my corner again?

I’m of a mind that it does no good to keep peeking around that corner.  Leave it be.  If I want to move forward, I should keep my eyes on the road ahead.