The balance of feeling behind

I've returned home to some more colour in the garden, bluebells and dandelions have appeared. We are behind other parts of the country here. In Harrogate where I spent last week, much more of the trees were in leaf than here.

We can often feel that we are behind others, seeing others in their green leaf or reaching a time when we'd expected to be flowering but still a bud. I was ill at the start of this year and took time to rest, and have been on reduced work since, as it has taken some time to pass. As a result, I'm behind on various projects. I'm working on the balance between catching up and not berating myself for being behind and not overdoing it so I get ill again. A tricky balance of self-awareness, self-compassion, acceptance, and also holding compassion for those who have been impacted by my delay.

Sitting with, soothing, and accepting disappointment and frustration can be so hard, and yet I've learned that is a part of life and an important life skill.

Seeing the bluebells only just beginning to open here compared with those in full bloom in the East, I am reminded that it is okay to be behind. I would not berate the bluebells or the trees not yet in leaf. Instead, I accept and enjoy seeing their gentle journey through the cycles to gently come out of winter in their own time. It gives me permission to do the same.

How do you soothe your disappointment?
What helps when you feel frustration?