A Time to Do Your Best

As we transition into yet another new season, the best days for me start and end with a good book, cozy blanket and a warm drink. This morning I finished reading “Find Your People” by Jenny Allen while I was drinking some coffee with caramel oat milk creamer. Now to end the day I am going to start reading “The Power of Writing it Down” by Allison Fallon with a cup of hot chocolate with a splash of milk and a shot of peppermint schnapps.

Lately it seems like the weather is still deciding if it is going to get cold or not. Last week it was raining more days than it was not raining. Some years we end October with snow, this year we have rain. A lot of trees still have colorful leaves left on them, while others are still green, and a few have lost all of their leaves. Each tree is changing in its own time. No matter where you feel you are in this changing season of life, you can choose to do your best with what you have.

My current work role as a Department Assistant/ Receptionist has been going great! I am learning new things everyday, and continue to be given more side projects to work on as time goes on. I have been in this role for two months, but was really doing similar tasks for the last year at my last job too. I was recently asked by someone who did not know me very well if I liked being a receptionist. At the time I think I answered something like, “Yeah, I like it.” Over the last week, however, I have been thinking about how much I really do enjoy being the best receptionist I can be. I enjoy that each day is not like the previous day. I am always asked new questions, people come in with new symptoms, and time continues to tick along just like it does for everyone.

Whatever job you pick, do the best you can at that job. If you are a barista, be the best barista. If you are a salesperson, be the best salesperson you can be. If you are a _____, be the best. You do not have to be 100% the best all the time every day, but over time you can choose to be the best that you can be. I know that part of my job is to choose to do what will make my coworkers’ jobs easier. Over time, it also makes my job easier. More often than not, there are more ways than one to accomplish something. Take the time to explore the options. Don’t be afraid of failing – we all are not right 100% of the time.

One way to start being the best at your job is to take time to rest. Take time for yourself to recharge from what has happened, or make time to rest for what is to come. You could either set aside time in your day that everyone who is home takes a 20 minute reading break, or set an alarm so that everyone takes a 2 minute dance break at 4pm. Make something up. Let yourself have some fun. Think about what you enjoy, and make time for that whether you do it alone or with others that live with you. Ask yourself “What brings me joy?’ – I bet you can think of at least 3 things that would help you have a better day tomorrow than you had today. My list would be…

1. Eat a piece of chocolate.
2. Take a deep breath (or two) before driving to work.
3. Savor the moments that bring a smile to my face.

What I did today that I did not do yesterday…

1. Write some new dance choreography.
2. Read both to start and end the day.
3. Meal prep for the week ahead.

I do not remember a time that I was able to start and end my day reading and enjoying a warm beverage, but I hope to do so at least once a week especially now that it is getting colder outside . Saturdays and Sundays are my only available days to do this, so I have to take the time while I have it. You can figure out a day/ time that will work for you. Small steps will help you make this a habit as long as you give it time.

“Do your best while also remembering your worth is not attached to what you accomplish.” – MHN

“Doubting yourself is normal. Letting it stop you is a choice.” – Mel Robbins

“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” – H. Jackson Brown Jr.