This question is a bit of a misnomer- because I have been embracing the belief that no matter what we are doing our best. Are you giving Your best in any given situation? Yes. With the toolbox that you have built, the ammount of sleep or pain or conflicts that you are dealing with, the ammount of hunger or anxiety or hot or cold that you feel, the stories and conditioning and everything that clumps around the fat, water, carbohydrates and salt that makes up hte brain (yes, I totally just googled “what is the brain made up of”. Oh the joy of having so much knowledge readily available. Now I’ve got to keep writing or I’ll just keep learing random facts about the brain. )
Where were we? Oh yes- with all the things make up our thoughts and our responces, we are giving our best in any given circumstance.
Beliving that about myself and especially about my kids, has been one of the most freeing and energizing shifts I’ve experienced.
And the best part is that when I am less than perfect, the question- “Is this your best” comes with such a gentleness, with such love, and without judgement. It comes with a readiness to get back on track, or to enjoy the rest or diversion a bit longer. It comes with a willingness to listen to my body, to what it needs, and to allow emotions to be processed. I know that these things are the result of a lot of inner work and a lot of it is thanks to my friend Aubin, who has a modality called Rainbow Magic that I’ve been tuning into for awhile now. I have expanded my tool box of compassion relating with him and it’s been life changing.
I just reallly hope this- for you reading this- that you remember how much gentleness and love and encouragement you deserve. All of it. You are doing your best- and in order to be happier with the best that you are capable of, remember to care for you meat suit. Remember to take time away from the places that stress you out and leave you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Not much good comes out of lingering in the liminal space of “the world is breaking and there’s nothing I can do about it.”
What we can do is make art. Put words to paper or to fingertips to keyboard or paint to brush or whatever your method is. We can create and we can reach out to the people that make us feel a little more heard and peaceful. We can smile at the person ringing up our groceries and we can recieve gifts, big or small, with open arms.
We can hug ourselves at the end of the day and say, “You did your best. I’m proud of you.”
