The 100 Years Club Installment #127: Cobbling Your Way to a Better Headspace

I have no trouble posting “help wanted” blurbs when looking for podcast guests, interns, or marketing service providers.

A cross-town move (the first in seven years) and travel to multiple cities are pending this summer.

I didn’t hesitate to ask Missy (a professional organizer), Matt (a “closet guy,”) and (of course) movers for help. I even consulted the sales team at Living Spaces for help selecting a new bed. Hair and makeup, gym trainers, kick-ass video and social media/podcast guys, and Uke, my college associate extraordinaire, are also part of the “helpful orbit.” Thanks to the miracles of AI, I could easily book flights and hotels and score significant discounts and deals for my trips.

Yeah…It sounds like some kind of bougie entourage, but these people (and bots) keep my life and business ticking (but not like a time bomb).

But…

When it comes to my own mental health and well-being, I often don’t do enough.

It’s ironic because that’s what I write about all the time. As they say, shoemaker’s children….

Do shoemakers even exist anymore? I think most shoes are made by robots and are designed to eventually self-destruct. This article confirms that cobblers are facing extinction. 

I’m OK now (the holiday weekend).

However, I had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week. (Apologies to Judith Viorst.)

It happens.

My sleep sucked, my anxiety level was high, my fuse was short, and I had moments when I didn’t feel like doing anything. And, like 64% of people, I’m suffering from “moving stress.”

But do you really want to hear about my angst? After all, many people are way worse off than I am.

The point is that when you’re “off-kilter,” help yourself first. When focused on serving and aiding others, you often neglect self-care and hesitate to ask others to help.

Be your own cobbler!

Shoemakers design and construct the apparel that enables us to stand, walk, and perhaps even be fashionable. Some questions to consider:

• Is this a temporary funk that I can just “wait out?”
• What put me into this mood, and can I take steps to eliminate the causes?
• Am I spending enough time on self-care?
• Who in my circle can I speak to about my needs? Ensure you’re picking people who want to help.You also need to be clear about what you want—an empathetic soul, specific actions, or something else? Being a “cobbler’s apprentice” can be a mood-booster, even though this famous painting is kind of weird—check out the cigar!

In the words of Sir Mick, “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometime, you just might get what you need.”

And, because it’s a holiday weekend, I need to step away from the keyboard and get some exercise and sun and read my latest chick lit choice!

No shoes required!

P.S. I refer often to my “100 Things” list. It’s a great practice for weeks like this one!