Being in a good frame of mind helps keep one in the picture of health. ~Author Unknown

I woke with a start at 2:45 am: I had completely forgotten to sit down and take time to write yesterday! I had written for 95 days straight and missing yesterday’s writing meant I broke my writing streak.

I was upset about breaking my streak, really upset until I asked myself a few questions: What was so important about a 95-day writing streak? Who was I competing against? What was so important about this “contest” with myself? What was I trying to prove? There was no rationale for my thinking.

A 95-day writing streak is awesome and missing one day of writing was not the end of the world. I sat with this for a few minutes and thought about how I missed my writing time.

Well, I missed writing because I was busy: Pilates class, getting the kids ready and out the door for school, outlining a 6-month writing schedule and working on the seating for the upcoming Foundation auction. I also spent time with my dad, picked up the kids from school and then watched my older son’s baseball game. At the game, I got to spend time with my sister-in-law – who took time out of her busy schedule to watch Kev play. After the game, it was dinner with family, homework, and finally bedtime.

The previous day’s activities weren’t busywork, those activities allowed me to honor my core values: communicating, taking care of others, and taking care of myself.

The issue of “Don’t Break The Writing Streak” and “Feeling Bad About Myself” are not core values of mine. Besides, 95 is just a number. Life is not perfect; I am not perfect and missing one day of writing was fine. Knowing that I was able to write for 95 consecutive days reminds me that I am dedicated, and I am good enough.

I haven’t given up writing and simply knowing that fact outweighs my 95-day writing streak. I am still the same smart, witty, and amazing person today as I was yesterday. Breaking a streak does not change who I am or what is important to me. Living a life in alignment is key; measuring myself against an invisible measuring stick and then getting upset about it, is just plain silly.

Life is not about perfection and having everything in perfect order. Life is about being in and enjoying each moment. Yesterday I did just that and everything is just fine.