I survived the weekend, got all my work done, and made it everywhere I was supposed to be. The detailed to-do list and the deep breaths got me through. Today, there are still things to be done, but I’m able to work through them less frantically. I’m still a little overwhelmed, today, but that will diminish with rest. That’s good news, because living the other way, for too long, is a recipe for burnout.

Fortunately, I know this… and I know my limits. More sleep will happen this week, at least in the early part before I travel on the weekend. I will have time to warm up and practice everyday – that’s very important for my mental health, as well as my trumpet playing. I will be able to get ahead on my planning for the following weeks. When I’m in control of my schedule, that’s when the necessaries are accomplished AND self-care is prioritized. There are occasions, like this past week, when my worlds collide and there’s no choice but to hustle it out, but I’m getting better at avoiding them.

It’s a practice, like anything else…