I fell into a trap this weekend—one I'll bet you can relate to. I put too much pressure on myself to have "the perfect weekend". You know, one filled with all the fun we daydream about during the long workdays: dinner and a movie, reservations at a new restaurant, a lounge in the sunshine, a trip to the flea market. Except dinner was rushed and the movie stunk. My afternoon at the beach began on a sour note when a wave stole my sunglasses. I put so much effort into Instagramming my pre-flea market breakfast that I got frustrated and abandoned my flea market plans in favor of a temper tantrum on the kitchen floor. I created so many expectations around my "fun" that I frankly had none at all.
After a good cry, I decided to dial it back a bit and do not much at all. I puttered around the house, took a workout class, got the car washed. Things that you won't find on Pinterest but that provide comfort in their mundanity. And I started a new week with my outlook tweaked. I mean, I've always known I'm self-critical, but if I think myself capable of failing the weekend then I must really need to cut myself a break. So this morning treated myself to these flowers at Trader Joe's as a reminder to be nice to myself. It's a reminder we all need from time to time, wouldn't you agree?
P.S. Another nice moment from my weekend was the chill-out time I took to listen to this mindfulness meditation podcast on loving yourself and others unconditionally. Taking an hour to do nothing but listen is a great way to do something kind for yourself today!
I honestly thought I was the only one who felt like this. I put so much pressure on doing so many fun things and having a great time all weekend long, that if things don’t go exactly as planned, I feel bummed out – generally by 5 on Sunday evening. Next weekend, I am going to be easier on myself and not put so much pressure on making sure the weekend is perfect!
I love the message of this post. Good for you for cutting yourself some slack. And I can totally relate to the “failing the weekend” feeling!
hello Anne
As many readers you absolutely don’t know me – I’m actually French and living in Paris. Your post touched me so much this morning, I feel a bit connected to what you feel.
I like to read you, thank you very much for writing.
Be kind to yourself, I’ll be kind to me too 🙂
Chloé
Hi Anne!
Thank you for this post today. It really rang true for me. I was already overwhelming myself this upcoming weekend to do too many fun things and dreading the exhaustion that goes with planning too much. Love your writing. Keep up the great job!
Danielle
We are all like a tea kettle. There are times when the steam just has to come out. Always try to leave yourself some do nothing time. Turn everyone off and do some deep breathing exercise. Clear your mind and all yourself just to feel the life around you.
🙂
Anne,
Sorry I am a bit late to respond… You’re so ‘right-on’ we all try so hard to have the perfect
weekend, month or just a day. It is so refreshing
to hear it’s okay …, not to have everything perfect.
Xx, m
I so agree with the concept of being nice to yourself. It’s a harsh world, and you must treat yourself with kindness!
Thanks for your honesty! I totally related to this feeling–especially what you said about trying to instagram your brunch and becoming so frustrated you didn’t go out! It’s nice to know I’m in good company!