“It takes a village”

I was thinking about this phrase & how I’ve had to use it in my life. Emphasis on “had to.”

Let me explain.

I like to do everything myself. It’s hard for me to ask for help. Part of me feels like it’s weakness (even though I know it’s not) & another part of me feels like, “You can’t do it right & that’ll drive me nuts so I’ll just do it myself.” What others call “control freak” or “perfectionist,” I call “mental illness.”

Anyways,

It’s really hard for me to relinquish any amount of control. I try REALLY HARD to not micro-manage anyone but I confess that it’s easier said than done. Even if I never vocalize my concern, it’s really loud in my head.

I’m learning with life that it’s best to work as a team. Yeah, I can do my part, but then let Tom do his part. And Sally do her part. I’m not in a managerial position so there’s no need for me to follow up with them, y’know? And, sure, they wouldn’t do it how I would do it. But that’s okay. Or, more accurately, I’m working on making my peace with it that it will be okay. 🙂

Some days are easier than others.

I’m finding that it takes everyone to do a little bit to complete the work. My tendency is to take on their burdens so they can focus on other issues but it’s not benefiting me in any way. I’m mentally & physically exhausted while they’re doing good. Some of them think it means I’ll do whatever they want whenever they want so I’ve had to put the kibosh on that.

It’s okay to let others do their job. It’s okay if it’s not perfect. We’re all working together to complete this task & by taking on others’ responsibilities, I’m depriving them of this unique learning opportunity.

Completion is always better than unfinished due to perfection. 🙂 And that’s something I have to remind myself almost every day.