Every workday morning it’s the same mad rush to get out of the house. I’ll admit, it’s my slow start (whoever invented the snooze button should be shot!) that leads to the snowball effect of rush-rush go-go.
Most of my morning routine is done on autopilot. But there’s always something different. Having a pot luck at work – don’t forget to take the food. Going to my women’s group tonight – don’t forget the book. Remember to buy coffee or veggies or groceries – take the list and a couple of shopping bags. Don’t forget to buy a birthday card for your sister!
Those are things I can control by planning ahead – and sometimes I do. Unexpected delays – snagged pantihose, unravelled seams or a button that falls off add to the stress. Plus the things I can’t control – bus and train schedules, the weather, traffic. On top of that, it’s still winter, which means socks, boots, coat, scarf, gloves and ear-warmers.
Sigh… I’m stressed just writing all of this. And I do it 5 days a week.
Usually, when I forgot my watch, I’m upset and even more fretful and anxious than usual. I worry about missing transit connections, and being later than usual. And about the possibility of what else could go wrong during the day?
About two weeks ago, in my mad morning rush, I forgot to strap on my wrist watch. Again.
So I decided to carry out an informal experiment. I decided NOT to get upset or anxious – just do what I needed to do, and see what happens.
Have you guessed where I’m going with this?
Well, you’re right. I made the transit connections and arrived at the office the same way I would have had I worn a watch. So that was a good start to the day.
But I still felt uneasy and vulnerable with my naked left wrist. As the day went on, something unusual happened. I started to relax.
When I got up from my desk – to get a glass of water, or visit the ladies’ room, or pick up a print job at the colour printer– I didn’t have a watch to glance at. So I just did it.
At the end of the day, I felt noticeably more relaxed. Even the commute home seemed less frazzled, more smooth. Was it my mood and my ‘tude? Was it a confluence of events that would have occurred even had I worn a watch?
I don’t know. All I know is, I felt less stressed when I forgot to put on my watch this morning.
Hmm… should I make a habit of it?
verawrites 
I so relate to this! Being out on jury duty this week has really exacerbated all the usual snafoos. So much so, I have now streamlined the process. In my bedroom there is a decorative bench and I have laid out next week’s five outfits, right down to the underwear and jewelry with a pair of shoes in their box under each one. It simply has to be done so I don’t waste time dealing with clothes when there are pets and lunches and emails and photographs and cleaning, … lol… I could go on but you get the idea. (Thank you for the recent referral to Ariffa, by the way – lovely of you and she kindly commented, too…).
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I admire your being so organized. I’ve adopted a suggestion I read recently, to have a work ‘uniform’. Mine consists of a nice sweater (I have 4 by the same manufacturer, in different colours) and slacks. One challenge, living in a 4-season city, is that weather can change quickly so I need to have variations ready (to wit; I have 5 winter coats & 5 pairs of boots – wet and cold, wet and mild, cold and dry, milder but not warm an dry, mixed wet and dry and fluctuating temperature). Hope jury duty went well (SNAFU, situation normal all f—ed up – a military term 🙂 and you can get back to ‘normal’ life. Blessings 🙂 You’re welcome; Ariffa is a lovely lady with a deep heart for education.
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Exactly what I have been wearing to jury duty! I laid out five pairs of comfortable slacks, five tops, five coordinated spring-weight cardigans, shoes, undergarments and jewelry. That takes care of it. The courtroom is cold and the weather outside is hot, so I have to have this layered capability. I am still going to be there next week and beyond, as it now appears, so, next Friday, another five outfits, etc., etc. In fact, I like the challenge of being appropriate for the seriousness of the situation, yet decorative and interesting, i.e. creative. And, I am wearing things that have sat in drawers, on shelves, or in the closet, many of them brand new with tags, LOL!!
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I wonder if men put as much thought into their outfits? Or do they pick one of 3 suits, any clean shirt and a tie they ‘think’ goes? Glad your wardrobe is getting a workout 🙂 Good luck with your role on the jury Beth. May you deliberate wisely and well and return the right verdict!
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The one I married would wear the same pair of jeans, a t-shirt and sweater, every single day of the year, if I let him, lol. Thanks for the good wishes. I put this in His hands.
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Sounds like a lot of guys I know. Pity the person who does the laundry eh? Have an enjoyable weekend 🙂
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