Diaries from the Cocoon, 08/05/23

Today I’m not inspired by goals and accomplishments, today I’m inspired by the process. I’ve got my sights set on a big lofty goal and although I can be impatient at times, I truly do appreciate all the little steps it takes to get to that goal and all the little pockets of rest between action that make the experience enjoyable.

I grew up in a family that took our Disney vacations SERIOUSLY. In a time before fast passes or online apps with ride wait times, my dad was the most intense orchestrator of fun at Disney World. This of course made the vacation less about spontaneous fun and more about “seeing it all.” We called them our “Schneider Family Death Marches” in a loving yet wistful way. We also always went during the “slow seasons” when it was insanely hot and humid out or just pouring from thunderstorms the entire day. It didn’t matter, my dad had a list of to-dos and by any means necessary we would get them done.

I carried that with me into adulthood, turning nearly everything into a strict to-do list that left little room for spontaneity or taking time to just enjoy things. It took a long time to be able to laugh at the misadventures (often caused by yours truly) that inevitably derailed the trip and cut into the time for to-do’s. One time I was drinking one of those big sodas from a fast food chain on the car ride to the park. I had put it between my legs (cup holders either weren’t a thing then, or we opted for the more economical vehicle) and I sneezed. It was the most volatile sneeze I had ever experienced to that point in my life and that soda got squeezed between my tiny legs - exploding all over the mini van, soaking my well-thought out outfit for the day. This meant rigorous cleaning of the seat was required as well as a trip to the gift store once we got there to get me into something less sticky. I HATED that new outfit, but still, the vacation must go on. One time when I was in my early teens I lost my wallet on a ride - I had just put the “allowance” for the trip my parents gave me, probably something like $30 bucks. My dad LOST IT. We had to storm back to the ride, lest someone steal it in the precious seconds we’d lose just walking. The wallet was there, the money was there - but the day had been delayed. One time I ate something that didn’t agree with me and I woke up with the worst upset stomach I had ever experienced. I was super young and told my family I was “fartstipated” - this phrase ended up being a taunt from my older brother for years to come. My mom and brother went on to the park while my dad and I waited out the “fartstipation”. Again, I threw a wrench into the perfect day’s plans.

These days (in my late 30’s), I go to theme parks with a couple must-sees and then a bunch of wide open time. It took years to unlearn that drive to do EVERYTHING and then be irreparably thrown when something off happened.

I’m learning to apply this to my entrepreneurial goals now as well. I need time to sit, people-watch, explore, and REST. Honoring my energy was not something I was taught. The go-go-go had to be unlearned and replaced with something more healthy - an enjoyment of the process.

This week I’m feeling good, getting things done but at a slower pace, and not beating myself up about it. I hope the same for you.

Til next time!

Cheers to creating, 

Jessie Britely