I was packing the dishwasher earlier today and smiled to myself when I noticed how I felt total peace and contentment at not needing to cram every last dish into the machine before I switched it on. Leaving dishes in the sink, waiting for the next load used to drive me crazy.
Being ok with mess, messiness, not needing to always get ahead of myself, not always needing to be in control feels like growth and the kind of change I want to continue to nurture.
Squeeze – Lauren da Silva
I used to try to fit every dirty dish I had
into the dishwasher at once.
Trying to stay on top of things.
Trying to get ahead.
But you can’t stay on top of dishes
Or get ahead of them
When they stop coming
You’ve also stopped eating
And that’s what kitchens are for
Eating. Nourishment. Mess.
You can’t stay on top
of a sumptuous, nourishing life
Or get ahead of it
You can only stay inside it.
You can live hovering around or above
But never participating in
The dirt, the joy, the love, the grief.
Dishes won’t ever stop coming
And you will always need to eat.
Now I leave pots in the sink
And glasses on the counter
I lick my fingers
And I taste my cake batter.
Peel your potatoes slowly.
Let the earth get under your fingernails.
There will always be another load.
Lauren xx
Lauren da Silva has been a mother and entrepreneur for over 10 years and helps other women just like you overcome co-dependency and people-pleasing, and reclaim their power to succeed in life and business. Connect with her at laurendasilva.com or email her at hello@laurendasilva.com
