You Deserve Care Regardless of Your Productivity

After my mini-retreat to Portland 2 weeks ago I was feeling energized, hopeful and ready to jump back into work and community! And then…I promptly got the flu.

I was not thrilled. 😑

I was ready to work. I had shit to do. But this flu was not having it. I could barely take a shower. Much less record a podcast episode or coach clients.

I had no choice but to slow allllll the way down.

I canceled work. I canceled meetings. I canceled social events. I canceled my Juneteenth celebration, which I’d been looking forward to for weeks.

I was forced to go much slower than I am comfortable with. And I teach people how to slow down for a living!

So I slowed down.

I’m not gonna lie, at first I had some feelings of shame and embarrassment about needing to cancel plans and work. (Those grooves are DEEP y’all.)

But then I remembered: the body is wise. And when we don’t listen, it will find a way to get our attention.

So I leaned into slowing down and caring for myself:

• I slept for 14 hours straight

• I binged the last season of Peaky Blinders

• I had McDonald’s delivered. (Because: childhood comfort foods)

• I wandered around in my pajamas and robe for 4 consecutive days, guilt free

• I let Beau take care of me when I couldn’t care for myself

And while I wouldn’t exactly call having the flu fun, I’m not mad about it either.

It was a good reminder that sometimes—despite what society tells us about how and when we need to be working and doing—we need to slow ALL the way down.

It was a reminder that we deserve care no matter our productivity level. And that trusting that is both hard and necessary.

If you could use some support feeling into your worthiness and giving yourself care, I have a few coaching spots open. You can schedule a free 45-minute coaching call with me or check out the Lionesse Women’s Circle I host at my house here in Seattle.

I’ll be back next week with an announcement about a fun summer project I’m working on for you!

XO,

Olaiya 💋💋