Back in January (which feels like years ago now), I read a post on Ali Edwards’ blog about her New Year’s getaway to Cancun. It was full of gorgeous photos – Ali’s posts always are. But the thing that grabbed me was a little throwaway paragraph about yoga.
Ali linked to a yoga app she’d recently downloaded, and said, “My goal is really just to do something […] I’ve had an all-or-nothing mentality for way too long.”
I couldn’t get those two lines out of my head.
A couple of weeks later, I went back to Monday night yoga for the first time in months. And then, when the blizzards began and I couldn’t make it back to the studio, I downloaded that same yoga app. I’ve been making an effort to unroll my green yoga mat in my dining room, a couple of times a week, ever since. Just do something.
The all-or-nothing mentality is a killer, isn’t it? For so long, I thought I couldn’t do yoga (or take up any other form of exercise) unless I did it every day. I worried (sometimes still worry) that I’m not a real writer unless I write every day. After a few unhealthy meals (like Saturday’s dinner of all the fried things from the local clam shack), I sometimes start to panic that my diet is going off the rails.
And then I remember: it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. A small change – even a tiny effort in the right direction – can pull me back toward balance.
I’m not doing yoga every day – not even close. The past couple of weeks, I’ve only managed my Monday night class and one short session at home. But it’s something. It feels good to make that effort. I’m not writing every single day, but I am writing most days – and that’s something, too. When I end up on the mat (or come back to the page or cook a dinner involving vegetables), I feel healthier, balanced, more whole.
Just do something. In the spirit of being gentle with myself this year, that’s what I’m going for.
Does the all-or-nothing mentality trip you up, too? What are your tricks for subverting it?
cakes, tea and dreams 
Love this post! I have fallen into the all-or-nothing trap on occasion, too. I usually climb out of it by focusing on just making the next decision a good one. Maybe choosing water or green tea over a sugary drink, a walk at lunchtime, or a piece of fruit instead of chocolate after dinner. If I only think one decision ahead, it’s easier to forgive myself for slip-ups, remind myself that no one is perfect, and focus on the future.
Oh, yes. I love this post too. The all or nothing mentality is just the most awful. it gets in the way of any kind of real commitment or work. I love what you’re doing. Inspired. xox
I really enjoyed this post. I struggle with this thought also. It always helps me to re-focus on my core priorities – Limiting my focus to actions/activities that are true to who I am or am striving to become.
Such a good thing to keep in mind. Thanks, Betsy!
Yes! Every little bit counts. Similar to not allowing perfection to be the enemy of the good, right? Mostly, thank you for posting this app. I know I had seen one that looked great, but I didn’t get it at the time and couldn’t remember what it was called. I’m downloading it today and getting started!
Hope you enjoy! I’ve loved it.
Such good words of wisdom about the “all or nothing mentality” and so good to hear right now. It is the small decisions that make our lives and we can be stopped in our tracks by thinking we have to do it all. Love how real you are with us – since most of us don’t know you it would be easy for you to give us this picture of an ideal life of a blogger who reads and drinks tea and has wonderful things going on in her life but like all of us – you are busy with many other distractions. Yet you produce a beautiful blog! Thanks so much.
I am a yoga teacher and even I don’t do yoga everyday. It’s all good.
Pretty toes!