My tendency to this point in life has been to “Always Be Optimizing,” (reference to Jia Tolentino’s essay of the same name), or, “over-functioning,” as is commonly described in today’s parlance. It’s something endemic to women and encouraged by society—and something that I am slowly learning to unlearn. In these slower summer days, I’ve been inviting myself to do one less thing. (“Inviting” sounds more supportive to the overall ethos of this shift, rather than “challenging.”)
I think of Coco Chanel’s mythic styling advice to always remove one accessory before leaving the house, and the idea that “less is more.” Rather than one more distracted task, rushed endeavor or push to add on, I’m pulling back, stepping back slowly, and removing a layer of effort.
It feels strange, and I know that’s my nervous system regulating, a pattern changing. I let the fullness of the moment fill the space of the empty action. What does it smell like right then? What else do I hear? How much more relaxed can I feel?
If you haven’t yet given yourself the permission or invitation out of constant function, let this be it. Do one less thing.