It’s true - I feel awful. I’ve got a head cold! It’s that time of year when there’s always some bug going around. And, of course, I have a long to-do list that isn’t going to check itself off.
Getting sick never happens at a convenient time, does it? Life doesn’t slow down just because we feel lousy. The world keeps spinning, even when we’re struggling to keep up.
But in sniffly moments like this, I’m reminded of one of Don Miguel Ruiz’s Four Agreements. Have you read that book? The Four Agreements is a powerful book about four guiding principles that can help us live with more freedom and fulfillment. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it.
One agreement, in particular, stands out to me today: the fourth one - Always Do Your Best.
Many of us grew up hearing this: “do your best,” whether it was on a math test, at basketball tryouts, or in any other challenge we faced. But Ruiz takes it deeper. He reminds us that our best will look different from day to day. Some days, our best is incredible. Other days - like when we’re sick - it’s a bit more limited.
This applies to our moods, too. When we’re having a great day, our best might feel effortless. When we’re struggling with some frustration or sadness, our best might simply be showing up, however we can. And that’s okay.
The key is self-compassion. And that comes from self-awareness. When we accept that our best changes with circumstances, we free ourselves from guilt and self-judgment. And that helps us avoid unnecessary suffering.
Being sick is already uncomfortable. But if we pile on frustration, guilt, or disappointment, we make it even worse. Why add emotional weight to an already heavy day?
Now, I’m not saying we have to be happy about feeling under the weather. Trust me, I’m not exactly radiating joy right now! But I can remind myself to simply do my best in this moment - whatever that looks like. My energy is lower, so my productivity might be, too.
And that’s okay.
So, if you’re feeling under the weather (physically, emotionally, or just drained by life), give yourself some grace. Your best today may not look like your best on another day, and that’s fine. You’re still showing up, and that’s what matters.
And before I go make some more hot tea, I want to ask - what do you think it would feel like to truly honor your best, exactly as it is, without comparing it to yesterday or tomorrow? Are you giving your best today, despite the challenges? Let me know your thoughts!
And that’s me, just checking in!
