What Would Annie Do?

I have a tendency to overdo things.

If I have a little energy, I somehow convince myself I have a lot. If I have one thing planned, I can probably squeeze in three more. If something needs to be done, I have a hard time leaving it until tomorrow.

And then my body reminds me that apparently it did not agree to this schedule.

That made me wonder: What would Annie do?

I have a feeling Annie the Porcupine would be much smarter about it than I am.

She would probably spend some time exploring, visit with Cody and Julie, find something delicious to eat, and enjoy whatever adventure came her way. But eventually, Annie would know it was time to stop.

She wouldn't worry about whether there was one more thing she could accomplish before resting. She wouldn't feel guilty because another porcupine somewhere was still being productive. She certainly wouldn't make a mental list of everything she should be doing while trying to relax.

She would curl up and rest.

Sometimes I think we make rest something we have to earn. We tell ourselves we can sit down after the laundry is finished, after the emails are answered, after the house is cleaned, after the project is done, after everyone else has what they need.

But there is always going to be one more thing.

Maybe the lesson from Annie is that knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing when to keep going. Rest isn't giving up. It isn't being lazy. Sometimes it is simply recognizing that we have done enough for today.

So the next time I catch myself trying to squeeze one more thing into an already full day, maybe I need to ask myself:

What would Annie do?

I'm pretty sure she would find a comfortable spot, grab a carrot cake snack, curl up her little porcupine body, and remind me that tomorrow is another day.