Recently I was having a discussion with a girlfriend and we got onto the topic of pregnancy. I was explaining about all the things you’re NOT meant to do when you’re pregnant, especially around food.
Her response was, “I feel like there’s this immense pressure on everyone to always do things ‘the right way.’”
I totally agreed which got me thinking, ‘what the hell is the “right way” of doing anything!?’
We are constantly being bombarded with multiple messages from so called experts on how we should correctly eat, exercise, parent, give birth, do business, have a relationship, vacation etc. etc.
For most of my life I’ve been a stickler for the rules but since unexpectedly falling pregnant I’ve just let go.
There seems to be so many ‘rules’ and the ‘right way’ of doing everything, especially when you’re pregnant.
To be frank, it does my head in and I don’t need any more pressure in my life! (And probably, neither do you!).
In regards to my pregnancy…
Have I been ‘eating clean’ and exercising as frequently as recommended? No – but I’m doing my best and not being silly.
Have I read any literature on becoming a mother? Not really – I’ve half read a book on the spiritual side of motherhood and I’m going to an intensive, all day antenatal class in July. That’s a pretty good start, (although my husband is slightly worried about my drastic lack of knowledge).
Have I bought anything baby related so far? No – but my very excited sister has!
Do I take naps and get enough sleep? No – but I plan on slowing down in this last trimester.
But the biggest and best question to ask is ‘Am I happy?’ And the answer is a resounding YES!
Day-to-day I’m happy doing whatever I have to, to get things done in life and business…whether it’s the ‘right’ way or it’s my way.
As I mentioned, there are so many ‘experts’ out there telling us what we should or shouldn’t do across all facets of our lives. Often we can get caught up in reading things online, listening to podcasts, watching documentaries and receiving advice from loved ones.
Start to question everything and everyone and don’t take anything as gospel.
A nicer way to put this is ‘to stay curious and open.’
Don’t get railroaded into anything or do anything out of guilt just because it’s supposedly ‘the right way’ of doing something.
It’s important to remember that the advice, facts, fads and trends that are served up to us are not always applicable to our own personal situation.
What works for me doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for you.
What works for Oprah in terms of meditation or Richard Branson in business doesn’t mean it will work for me. What a friend swears by during her pregnancy doesn’t necessarily mean it will be my saving grace.
Go with what you’re drawn to.
Yes, by all means read books, attend courses, hire coaches, try different exercises etc. But remember that these tools and resources are all just guides.
You know your own situation intimately and you can craft ‘the right’ way of doing things into your personal situation.
Trusting your intuition is the kicker.
It’s so easy to get all caught up in your head and ruminate on what you ‘should’ be doing based on expert advice and then feel all guilty about what your NOT doing.
Try and stay present and tap into what feels right for YOU!
Ask yourself, “What will make me happy?”
Would reading parenting articles make me happy right now? Ah no! (I wanted to punch my husband when he suggested this activity!).
Your intuition is your inner compass and it will guide you to what ever it is that’s best for you.
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So in closing, my (non-expert) opinion is…
Doing things YOUR WAY + uncovering what is best for you and your unique situation = the RIGHT WAY!
Who needs any added pressure in their life?
Do you agree? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the ‘right way’ vs ‘your way’ of doing anything and everything in the comments section below!
Oh and BTW….my new website AND my NEW and completely FREE e-book ‘Mind Wind Open’ is oh so close to being finalised! If you want to be in the know of when you can get your hot little hands on this amazing freebie, sign up to my ‘Great Mail’ list below this post!
Love,
