In ‘The Gifts of Imperfection’ @brenebrown says, “If we want to live a Wholehearted life, we have to become intentional about cultivating sleep and play, and about letting go of exhaustion as a status symbol and productivity as self-worth.”
For a long time, I thought that wearing my stress as a badge of honor and complaining about my hard efforts would garner more attention and sympathy, thus validating my status and worth. “Look at me! I am accomplished and I have this mountain of exhaustion to prove it.” But a hurried life quickly becomes an unfilled life. When my self-worth is hinged on my productivity, there are constant feelings of inadequacy, scarcity, falling behind, and not being enough. When my self-worth is aligned with my values (e.g. impact, joy, adventure) and I am living in integrity, I feel like everything flows with ease and abundance. Doing more doesn’t make me a better person. Only saying yes to what is aligned with my purpose is what makes me a better version of myself.
Instead of bragging about how busy you are, let’s celebrate rest, play, and sleep. Let’s start intentionally setting boundaries and practicing a mindset of worthiness, gratitude, and joy.
In the Wellness for Dentists program, we will practice the art of setting boundaries and reframing our beliefs surrounding productivity, rest, play, and sleep!
