"I should … I must … I have to …"
How many times a day do these phrases slip into our sentences? "I should clean the house." "I must cook dinner." "I have to do the dishes." "Can you give me a few minutes to clean up?" "Can we do it later?"
It's incredible how frequently we place chores ahead of our connections—with our children, with others, with ourselves, and with nature.
If you're familiar with Maslow's hierarchy of needs, you'll find love and belonging nestled in the third tier. This tier follows our most basic physiological needs like breathing, nourishment, water, shelter, and sleep. It comes after safety and security, encompassing elements like health, employment, property, and social connections. Within love and belonging, you'll find concepts like friendship, family, intimacy, and a profound sense of connection.
Now, here's the question for you: Do chores appear on that list? The answer is no. So why do we sometimes place more emphasis on these obligations rather than nurturing our connections?
It's something worth pondering, wouldn't you agree?
I encourage you to make a conscious choice to prioritise connection next time you face this dilemma. It's not just important; it's essential for our well-being. It enriches our lives, adding depth, joy, and meaning to it.
With gratitude
Mags
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash