Manager of the Universe
Posted on 23. Oct, 2007 by Susan in Inspiration
Last week I spoke at a local women’s conference, and also had an exhibit booth there for the event. Getting ready for Today’s Woman was a big project for me. Fun, yet time consuming. I obsessed immersed myself in all of the details: writing my speech presentation, banners, flyers, giveaways, etc…After everything was set up, organized, and ready to go for the day, I sat down to hear the keynote speaker, Cheryl Richardson. In the first five minutes of her keynote address, I noticed that Cheryl was speaking directly to me when she said, "Resign as MANAGER OF THE UNIVERSE!" The auditorium of about 1100 women laughed instantly. I am not alone.
I thought about all of the evidence in my life that reflect my self inflicted status of Manager/Master of the Universe: I manage the entire family’s calendar, require that the beds be made a certain way, insist that I have to be the one to help the kids with their homework or it won’t get done "right," etc….I could make a list a mile long. Even the work involved for that very event could have been less stressful if I had let those around me help. And, immediately following the keynote address, my husband offered to get me some coffee and bring it back to my booth space. He took off in one direction, and I "helpfully" pointed out that the quickest way to the coffee stand was in the other direction. My friends around us laughed at the Universe Manager hard at work.
How are you filling your days and weeks with chores and obligations that could easily be done by someone else if you let them? And, are you not asking for help or allowing others to help you because you want things done exactly your way and on your time schedule?
I’ve drafted my very own "Declaration of Independence" surrounding my resigned post as Manager of the Universe. This is just a tiny expert:
1. I will let my children make their own beds, even if they leave lumps in the bedding the size of bowling balls.
2. I will let my husband plan our Christmas Party, even though I fear he’ll botch the guest list.
3. I will not call around to make sure that everyone remembers each other’s birthdays. Adults have their own calendars.
4. I will not sit around at basketball practice, just in case the coach "needs me." For what? Really.
What can you Bag, Barter or Better when you resign as Manager of the Universe? Why are you holding onto these roles, only to whine about it? Make a list of four things that you can Bag or Barter, and make room for YOU time. How will you spend it?
Bag it Baby!
Susan
2 Responses to “Manager of the Universe”
Leave a Reply
Get The Book!
Featured In
Wow… this hits home.. I am up for the task of Resigning as Manager of the Universe also..
i love your posts