Well, hellooooo!
Remember when I said I was taking a little summer break from Beyond Diet Dogma?
(Yes, that’s the name of this newsletter. In case it’s been so long you’ve forgotten.)
Clearly my definition of summer is rather flexible. Because here we are, nearly Halloween.
This week, we're talking about plans, expectations and why we sometimes feel the need to explain ourselves unnecessarily.
🍽 The Main Course: In My Defense... Actually, Nevermind.
I had quite a few intentions for summer break.
Among other things, my plan was to revamp my website, finish creating and recording a course, finally get serious about posting on social media, and, sure, also train for a triathlon.
I had a whole vision of how I'd spend my summer and what I'd have accomplished by the time I returned to your inbox.
So, how'd that go?
Well…
The website is still waiting for its makeover. The course remains unfinished. My social media presence remains non-existent. And the triathlon training? Let's just say that took an unexpected turn.
But we did buy a new house. (You know, as one does when on break). And I took a new GLP-1 coach training course, tried some art classes, played Mahjong, explored new hiking trails, and participated in a trail-running event.
I also did some long-overdue housecleaning (of the nonliteral variety), such as choosing to step away from professional groups that were taking up space in my head without adding much to my life.
Not exactly the summer I'd mapped out.
And I found myself assembling all my darn good reasons for not accomplishing what I'd intended to during the break.
Then I thought…wait a minute.
Why am I preparing a defense?
Nobody had accused me of anything. Nobody was expecting a progress report.
What if I'd simply spent the summer hiking, playing Mahjong, reading books, taking afternoon naps with Benny and Ramona, or doing absolutely nothing particularly noteworthy?
Who, exactly, decides whether my reasons for not doing all I set out to do are good enough?
We put a lot of value on productivity, discipline, and follow-through. We set goals, make plans, create schedules, and measure our progress. Nothing wrong with that. If you know me, you know I do like having plans and goals.
But somewhere along the way, a plan or intention can become an obligation. It takes on a different energy. And when we don't follow through the way we imagined, we believe an explanation is required.
The funny thing is, I don't really feel disappointed about many of the things I didn't do this summer. I still want to do those things. They haven't stopped mattering to me.
They just didn't happen on the schedule I'd imagined. And who knows? Maybe I’ll change my mind about some of them. That’s okay too.
Of course, there are commitments that matter, deadlines with real consequences, and people who are counting on us. I'm not suggesting we shrug those off.
But not every intention is a promise, and not every change of plan is a failure. And not every unfinished project needs a compelling backstory.
So yes, my summer break lasted a little longer than expected.
Some things got done. Others didn't. Some things happened that I never saw coming.
And here I am, back in your inbox. Right on time.
🏡 Sweet Moment(s): Home Sweet HOA
We bought a house! And with it comes a whole new collection of rules to live by.
I'm beginning to understand why people have strong feelings about HOAs. 🤣
(cartoon credit to Jim Benton)
🐶
Until next time - more dogs, less dogma. Always.
Carol
P. S. New here? Welcome! Curious about past issues? You can find them, here.
