Okay, so what’s the opposite of above and beyond? Below and back? Below and insufficient? Doesn’t have much of a ring to it.
My expectations for myself, for the future, are often on the side of above and beyond. Which leaves me in a state of feeling inadequate and causes me stress. Which sucks.
Yet, those expectations are often what pull me through and help me succeed. I’m one of those types who waits until the last minute to do what I need to do in order to hit a deadline. Most of the time. I’m much better when I’m editing for a client. My self-control is far better.
So what’s that about? Basically, when you boil it down, it comes down to my caring about other people more than myself. The old, “It’s just for me, so it can wait” thing.
Turns out self-care is difficult.
Can you relate?
Oh, and happy Valentine’s Day to all you lovers out there. For the rest of us? Let’s love ourselves a little bit more today. ❤

2019-2020 SoCS Badge by Shelley! https://www.quaintrevival.com/
This off-the-rails post was brought to you by Stream of Consciousness Saturday. Find the prompt here and join in! https://lindaghill.com/2021/02/12/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-feb-13-2021/
February 14, 2021 at 7:41 pm
I can relate. The stuff I do for me has often been pushed to the back burner. Scheduling stuff for me helps. I used to stress myself out a lot feeling like I needed to do more than was healthy for me, so when I read that your expectations leave you in a state of feeling inadequate and cause you stress, but those expectations often help you succeed, I thought, it depends on your definition of success. Your own health and wellness are valuable, too. Maybe there’s a place to balance accomplishments with feeling adequate and more peace.
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February 14, 2021 at 1:05 pm
How about “Below and before”? Before doing the below scheduled task, I will spend at least five minutes doing something loving for myself.
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February 14, 2021 at 12:38 pm
I totally get that Linda 💜
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February 14, 2021 at 12:10 pm
Self care is so important these days. Loving oneself is a big part of that self care.
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February 14, 2021 at 11:56 am
On the other hand another person might feel, if something needs to be done, do it now so you could be free to help others later if needed.
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February 14, 2021 at 11:43 am
❤️
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