TUESDAY MAGIC
Good Morning, Lovelies!
I cannot tell you how much I love Tuesdays!!
But I’m gonna try because I think you need to know.
I am neurodivergent (ND). Always have been but did nothing about it. Ironic considering I have MA degrees in Special Ed & Counseling Psychology and have worked in the field helping other ND folks do their work for 25 years.
Ain’t it how it goes? We are so busy looking at everyone else, we never make time to see ourselves.
Anyway, as per usual in my life, I slammed into a wall about five years ago and it became obvious I had to address it.
No small feat when you’re fifty years old & literally no one else knows you even have processing issues. We often learn to accommodate so well we make everything on the outside appear smooth while we’re left ablaze on the inside.
That never lasts. The flames start to make their way out and the thing we have tried so hard to avoid — singeing others — happens.
Anyhow, my particular cocktail of brain wiring oddities mean moving fast (quick decisions, switching gears, etc.) and organizing my thoughts is UBER hard (Remember, it doesn’t look that way from the outside).
Routine is my friend…except that so much of my life must be planned out to the nth degree for it to work that I start to feel trapped and end up living in trauma responding all the time.
Finally, I learned to embrace & accommodate my differences. Tuesdays are one example.
Tuesdays are my Professional Let My Brain, Not My Plan Lead Day (Sundays are my personal one).
Tuesdays are a routine, but a different kind. On Tuesdays, I never have set appts. I get up early. I plant myself in my FAVE coffee shop with my “To do” list, but I go in any order I want often spending lots of time in bunny trails. When I feel done, I go grocery shopping. I get my tea, I pop my earbuds in, and I listen to my mystery books while I mosey and meander through the store.
Sometimes, Tuesdays end with the most amazing and creative work. Other times, I end up spending a day on a Twitter post.
Sound silly? A potential waste of time?
Yeah, I know. Lots of people have thought that. Some wonder why I cannot just “make an exception to meet on Tuesdays once-in-a-while (Read: Cuz meeting with me would be more productive)?” But I protect these days fiercely — and it always pays off.
No one likes change, Lovelies. Not even when it isn’t their change. Growing pains hurt…but they are necessary.
Listen, I know this kind of growth can be guilt provoking. I also know when YOU begin to accommodate yourself, others will not always like it or understand. You must let them flail & do the work of adjusting. Trust me when I tell you, if you are happier, healthier, and more at ease, it will bless everyone.
Your people will think the rug has been pulled out from under them when you start saying “no” or doing things they do not understand. What they will find out, though, is that that old, beat up & threadbare rug is replaced with the softest, fluffiest, most inviting velvety plush that exists and they will be so glad you did it…eventually.
And let me just say, anyone who does not love your new self may not be in the relationship with your best in mind…do not let them stop you.
Maybe it isn’t meandering you need. Maybe it’s learning to treat yourself to a mani/pedi occasionally, adding a little adventure to life, re-doing a room in your house. Or maybe it’s full-on life changes — switching careers or embarking on gender exploration.
Maybe you’re not ND. No matter. Everyone needs accommodation in this world.
I want to challenge you to find your “Tuesdays,” whatever they might be. Tell your people what’s happening. Encourage them to keep watching and to hang on. Check in, make adjustments, don’t be afraid of or offended by questions. They can’t see the rug yet.
There will be trial and error — but once you find your magic, do the work to protect it and you will begin to see the benefits…and so will everyone else.
As I leave you today, I am going to shout this last bit…
YOU are WORTH THE EFFORT IT TAKES to build YOUR ABUNDANT LIFE.
Now…go do it.
Part of the “Good Morning, Lovelies,” series. Written by book author, blogger, & educational/motivational speaker, Hannah Smith, MA LMHC CGP. Certified Interpersonal Neurobiologist, Group Specialist & Founder of Potential Finders Network, LLC, Hannah provides cutting-edge holistic consultation, training, and a variety of innovative personal development services. Hannah’s passion is to see people reach their potential and find lasting, positive change. Visit www.PotentialFinders.com to learn more about Hannah’s work. Return often for tips, events & other helpful information.
