An Insufficiency of Oomph

I had a long list I wanted to get done the last day or so. I... did not get all of it done. I have an insufficiency of energy and ability. I was trying to get the garden work done and tidied yesterday, and wound up straining a muscle. I went from the initial: sore spot, I should quit while I'm ahead, to 'owowow I can't sleep because there are no positions that don't hurt badly.' 

Which meant that my day was busy, insufficiently rested, and tonight I'm running on fumes. This is not a post to do more than whimper, though. I'm restraining myself from whining. This is a post about grace. 

There are days I can give myself grace. There are days a dear friend hits me upside the head with a rolled up virtual newspaper and reminds me not to talk to her friend that way. "You wouldn't say that to me or about me! Don't say it about you!" 

It's a good way to mark your self talk and evaluate it. Would you say what your internal voice is muttering about a dear friend who is in the same situation you are? Or would you encourage them to look at the bright side, what they did accomplish, and lift them up from the doldrums?

Can I find it in me to be a good friend to myself? Not that I'm going to let myself get off easy. No, I still need to finish folding that load of laundry. But it won't hurt anyone if that happens tomorrow, so tonight I can catch up on my rest from a bad night of sleep. And I'm going to think about how I handle the shovel so I don't pull that same flexor muscle again (second time I've done this). Or I'll stretch out before doing heavy garden work. No, I didn't have to do that at 30, but I'm not that young any longer. I need to be slower, steadier, and plan in more time to recover. I did do some things right - I hydrated and kept my electrolytes balanced, so I didn't have leg cramps from dehydration on top of the strained muscle. I took breaks. 

Today, I made myself get up and move, so I didn't wind up stiff and aggravating the issue by sitting still for nine hours straight. This is good, I'm learning. 

Now, to make up the list for tomorrow, prioritize it, and hit the hay a little early. Toast is already setting the example by napping in her cuddle bed on the desk. I'm not going to have a pang of guilt over the state of the desk. Am not! 

Be a friend to someone tonight. Even if that's you.