Finding a quote that suits my guiding word "do" and my expectation of it is hard! Most searches will not work with a two-letter word. I'm sure it is because the one- and two-letter words are so common as to render any search unusable. Anyway. With perseverance I have found one that sums my feelings toward "do" perfectly:
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
- Theodore Roosevelt -
It really appeals to my practical and optimistic approach to this year. I want to:
- Work with what I have, fully aware of who I am, now.
- Understand and acknowledge my limitations - time, physical/health, money, personality ...
- Use what I have and accumulate less, with purpose.
- Be clear on my options and opportunities for knowledge and growth.
- Make the most of my life, here and now, and move forward in a mindful manner continuing to build on a foundation that is authentic and progressive.
Though I find I'm firmly planted in reality, sometimes I get ahead of myself and I am far too ambitious. I completely forget about my limitations and I take on more than I can actually accomplish. Either that or I really believe I can manufacture time in my basement :) Sadly, that is not the case, but what a wonderful idea, no? Or better, manufacture enthusiasm and drive. So hard!
It doesn't help much that, though I am a reformed perfectionist, I still demand excellence. When I do it has to be done right. When I commit to something, I see it through.
Gah!
With all of that in mind ...
When I don't do well, I have to acknowledge it and face it.
Right now, something has to give. I have not done well with two out of three design teams. One is too rigid. One is too loose. (The third is, thankfully, just right.) I am doing my best to face up to it and not consider myself a failure. Perhaps, in hindsight, agreeing to three design teams when I had never been on ONE before may have been a bit too ambitious! I feel I have let people down and I know I have - I agreed to perform a consistent and enthusiastic service and I have not. It is not that I don't have time, I just don't make the time. Those projects are constantly being moved to the bottom of the pile - so often I might as well just not do them. Which is exactly the case.
Sigh.
I've just written words I really dislike "It is with regret ..." and it is with regret. The flip side? I was taking space that rightfully belongs to someone else, someone with enthusiasm and passion.
(Sigh. I still feel awful.)
Doing what I can, with what I have, where I am. Now.
