What do people do all day??
Do any of you remember this children’s book- What Do People Do All Day? by Richard Scarry?? Oh man, I do. I remember studying these pages before I could read- determining which of the characters I wanted to be like (also did this with every Where’s Waldo book). I recently saw this book in my niece’s room, and was immediately pulled back in. BUT REALLY.. What is it that people do all day?? As a child I get the question, but do you ever find yourself wondering the same question now??
Sure, we actually do know because of social media.. But how did people get to this place in their life? How do they decide what job to have, where to live, what hobbies to have? It wasn’t that easy for me.. I spent every waking hour of my school aged life trying to perform so I could get into a good college. Then when I got into said good college.. it was time to choose a career!
..Honest sharing moment.. I chose my first job for two reasons. 1- location. Sunny California. 2- I didn’t have to wear a suit. Girl had her priorities straight. But then I realized this job was still an office job, just making one CEO more money, and not doing much to make the world a better place. So I switched to teaching. Back to school! Then the hustle of finding a job during the ‘08 recession commenced and took up some of my time and energy.. So for the first chunk of my life THAT’S WHAT I DID ALL DAY!
THEN. Once I landed my teaching gig, I had another massive realization. I HAD NO HOBBIES. My whole life was about college, and getting a good job. Once I had that, what else was life?!
That was my big awakening.. I am not a machine put on this planet to make money. I’m here to be of service, but also to enjoy my life. I wanted to have a fulfilling and rewarding career, but I also wanted to spend the rest of my time getting the most out of my human experience! As one of my teachers Katie Silcox so profoundly said, “There are millions of souls wishing they could have the human experience that we have the privilege of in this life time.”
So.. what did I choose?
I chose a movement practice, yoga, that felt good and nourishing to my body, but also one that inspired me on a spiritual level. A yoga practice, studying mindfulness, exploring reiki, diving into Ayurveda- good use of my time.
I chose travel. Learned I don’t looooove flying (so depleting, hello vata), as much as I love a good roadtrip. That lead to experimenting with travel by camper van, and not just navigating fun cities but national parks and the beauty of the natural world. Now we have our own camper van that we get to rent out to other fellow explorers!
I chose to live out west, where we have access to some of the most amazing areas of the United States. We try to plan a few good road trips each year in our van, and spend the rest of the year skiing and hiking in the Rockies- where it’s hard to actually decide which season is your favorite because there’s just so much beauty in all four.
I chose to work an amount that doesn’t put me into depletion, and doesn’t make the rest of my life seem like an afterthought trying to squeeze everything else in 5pm Friday till I get the Sunday Scaries. I care about my time, how I spend it, and what I do with it. I’m very aware of how we are like frogs in hot water in this capitalistic system intentionally designed to leave you too tired and depleted to have the resources and stamina to make any changes. I thought I was being clever becoming a teacher (hello summers and every damn holiday off) but I was still depleted and I knew I didn’t want to feel that way. I wanted to give from an overflowing cup, not just live by trying to get by with a 1/4 tank of gas my whole life. **I recognize this intentional redesign is only feasible due to my inherent privilege- something that I don’t take for granted, and in fact feel a great weight of responsibility to do something meaningful with. As the saying goes- with great privilege comes great responsibility (sure the actual quote is about power but…nah)
I choose to spend my time with people who fill me up, and have worked really hard on my boundaries. I was previously someone who would say yes to anything (mostly due to the anxiety of dealing with other people’s responses if I wasn’t accommodating). These shifts required support from therapists, many many books, and, honestly, trial and error. I notice how I feel around people, how I feel after spending time with someone, and really use my awareness of my nervous system to guide with whom I choose to share myself.
Speaking of books. I choose to read. A lot. I remember my dad would bring a stack of books to the beach and crush them all during our week long vacation. He also had the ability to watch TV while reading- and still be able to understand both. I definitely don’t have that gift, but there is nothing like the expansion from a good book.
I choose to redesign my spaces frequently. Sometimes seasonally, sometimes I just feel a good purge coming and go to town. As a child, my mom used to come into my room and see that I had dumped out every drawer, basket, shelf, and would be deep into analyzing what was staying, what was going, and how to redecorate. Apparently I had a great Aunt Jen who did the same thing. I always feel her presence when I get sucked into those organizational purges. It’s just in my blood! But there is nothing more satisfying than a clean, organized, intentional space. We can thank the Home Edit and Marie Kondo for making it trendy!!
…I could probably go on and on about what I do all day, but the point of it all is… You may, like me, find yourself busy and doing all the things, but not necessarily feeling nourished, fulfilled, or inspired. And I want you to know that even with the load of responsibilities on your plate there are still shifts you can make, ways to intentionally redesign your life so that you are in alignment and feel good. I promise. And I’d love to help you get there.
It’s worth it.
YOU are worth it.
