make your bed

or the mess will remain

I stood above my bed this morning, peering down at the mess I’d made during the night as I slept to Cleo Sol’s tracklist on replay. The minutes were running like seconds, and time seemed to be slipping away from me. I stared at the beige linen, wondering…

Should I make my bed now or save it for later?

Flashes of entering my room later quickly answered the question for me while simultaneously reminding me how my bed isn’t much different from life.

So many times, we’ve put off the small things (or things we’ve deemed simple) that felt like an inconvenience at the moment but can very much be our saving grace down the line.

I couldn’t imagine having a difficult day and returning to an unmade bed.

I couldn’t imagine retreating to my room after an anxiety-filled day only to face my unmade bed.

The same goes for:

• Emails we need to send.

• Calls we need to make.

• Appointments we need to confirm.

• Groceries we need to pick up.

• Laundry we need to do or fold.

• Clothes we need to return.

• Bills we need to handle.

• Meetings we need to schedule.

• Projects we need to finish.

• Tasks we need to complete.

• Texts we need to send.

• Statements we need to go through.

• Services we need to cancel.

• Research we need to do.

All the small things that will take a few minutes but feel impossible to do.

I’ve learned that my comfort and convenience require a sense of urgency for tasks that I know will simplify my life.

To be honest, I deserve a worry-free, stress-free day knowing I’ve handled what needed to be handled. I’ve taken care of the small things.

Life itself is so unpredictable. The least I can do is prepare a soft place for me to land when the day is done, and it’s me against my thoughts.

So, as I tucked my sheets and smoothed my comforter with my palm, I was reminded that I am continuously doing the necessary work (the small things) that have big impacts on my mental, emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual health.

I’ve always known that I am not and never will be interested in people or things that don’t serve me at some capacity (as in if it doesn’t make me feel better or good doing it… if it’s not progressive in some way… if it does not align with my moral compass… I have no interest in it).

But this morning, I learned that I am also not interested in avoiding things that are progressive for me, whether simple or difficult.

I want to send the emails.

I want to order the groceries.

I want to schedule the appointment.

I want to call the laundry company.

I want to take care of the past due bill.

I want to plan dinner for the week.

I want to reserve the spot in pilates.

I want to do the research.

I want to finish the outline.

I want to make my bed before I leave, because if I don’t, the mess will still be there when I return.