Capacity Connection

Recently I spoke to a dear friend and she shared with me that she is learning to live within her capacity. The first step to this is noticing what her capacity is for each day, and living with grace and acceptance in those boundaries. What this released for her was being able design her expectations and plans according to the tools she had access to – instead of getting to the end of a day and feeling that she had somehow missed and unknow-able target with an un-holdable bow.

I was so inspired by her and this idea, that when I woke up the next morning and was working to convince my feet to hit the floor, I paused for a moment and asked myself “what is the capacity I bring to this day?” 

I was surprised to hear myself know right away not only how much capacity I had, but what flavor the capacity invited. The day was to be creative and playful. 

I knew that this was true AND that that placed the strategic work I was carrying on the calendar at a particular time two days later. I got two answers at once, to one question that I only partially understood. 

Being curious about what the day invited, filled out the picture of the rest of my week. The simple asking released my ‘buckle down and get it done’ approach and opened a horizon. Things that were top of mind and hidden around the corner slid into the slot of time and space that was best for all of us. 

When I sat to do the creative work that day, I was with only the creative work – the writing and and the digital design and playing. The voice of the list of to to-dos that usually whispers from my shoulder was still. In my single check-in, in that pause, my priorities and plans were set down until it was their turn. 

Often we see ourselves as in control of our time. And ultimately we are. Too often, I feel like I’m trying to shove things into a drawer or box that is already too full. If I just shove this a little harder with my hip it will close, right? 

A pause – long or short – inserts time for observation and choice. The magic here is actually listening to yourself and trusting your wisdom. If you haven’t used this muscle for awhile, it may take some practice. Thankfully, in this laboratory, there is grace, love, and good humor for all the times we trip up if you allow for it. 

What would happen if we approached our time and planning from a partnership mindset? 

What if we took a pause, and asked the day (ourselves really) :

What is here? 

What shall we do? 

What adventure or experiment is ours to have? 

What can be left for another day? 

Where do I look for the gift in today?

I dare you to give it a try three times this week. Check in with yourself and notice what you are learning about you?

Can’t wait to hear how it goes.