“I’m on the home stretch for today. Exhausted, but the group is having a fabulous conversation right now about how to do good for the world. I’m so lucky to do what I do. It’s fun, interesting and satisfying.”
This was a text I sent my partner while at a planning day with Inner Melbourne Community Legal (IMCL). IMCL does incredible work, including client support, advocacy, education and outreach.
Their planning day came on the end of what had been a big week. I had been to Castlemaine, Warrnambool and Benalla. I facilitated four events. I hosted a Take on Board breakfast. It had been a big week. I felt tired.
You’re might be feeling that way right now. A big year. All sorts of things on the ‘must get done before end of year’ list. Tasks to do, events to attend, family to organise and all on top of the usual things that keep us busy in life.
Like me, you might be thinking ‘I’m tired’! It’s like when the battery goes flat on the energiser bunny.
At the IMCL planning day, as my battery started to go flat, I encouraged myself to notice what was going on around me. And, importantly, to find something amongst it that I was thankful for.
It didn’t take long. The spark and energy in the room was infectious. The group was discussing ways to increase the impact of their work and do more good. How could I not feel inspired and energised!?
Practicing gratitude is an antidote to tiredness.
If you are feeling tired – and many of us do in December – here’s some tips to find the antidote to tiredness.
- Aware – prompt yourself to observe when you are feeling tired.
- Notice – tune in to what is going on around you: what are you hearing? Seeing? Feeling?
- Thankful – what’s the best thing you are noticing right now?
Be aware. Notice. Be thankful. You might even choose to document it. The text I sent is what I remember most about that day, even though there were many other positive things.
What are your antidotes to tiredness? I’d love to hear about them. Feel free to drop me an email and let me know.
Have a wonderful end of year break and I look forward to sharing more with you in 2016.
