I have an awful confession to make. It feels awful to me, anyway.

I have over-committed myself and something has got to give.

This means I am not going to be able to do everything I have said I would do – at least at the time I said I would do it.

I pride myself on keeping my commitments, on being reliable, on the fact that you can count on me to do what I say I am going to do.

I recently opened registration for my online course, the BodyIntelligence EASY Self-Care Program. This is the second time I will be running the program. I thought it would be easy this time. I have already created the content, after all. There are a few things that need to be tweaked, of course, but essentially the meat of the program is there.

The program was supposed to start on June 12^th. I leave for an Alexander Technique conference in San Diego early on the 13^th and will be away for a week.

When I was talking with my friend Kirsten Harris (fabulous Alexander Technique teacher and artist in Scotland) about the program last Thursday, we came up with an idea to help make it a more personal experience for the participants, so that everyone, if they wish, can have a little one-on-one time with me to get things going, and help them come up with an easy and doable “self-care implementation strategy!”

It’s a great idea. I want to do it. But I don’t have time. Not if I keep with the current schedule.

I have over over-committed myself, and underestimated everything I need to get done before I head to California, where I’m not only attending, but am also presenting a workshop and participating on a panel – both of which require preparation!

I’m also giving a talk on Thursday at the Women’s Power Networking meeting in Glenn Mills. That needs preparing.

I have other class and teaching commitments throughout the week.

AND I am committed to self-care and quality work. To me, these two things go hand in hand.

Burning the candle at both ends, while I know it may sometimes be necessary, is NOT the way to produce creative, quality work. It is not about EASE. It is not about looking after yourself first so you can show up as your best self.

It is the opposite of that.

It is the opposite of everything that I teach.

And so, reluctantly, but practically, I am postponing the start of the program, so I have time to give it my best, to think through and put together the new elements, and to give me time to market it properly. It also means I’ll be available during the first week of the program, which will be needed for the new personal elements.

I am committed to practicing what I preach.

And so, while I am breaking my commitment to start the program when I said I would, I am NOT dropping the program, I am simply postponing it.

And, more importantly, I am keeping my greater commitment to myself and the BodyIntelligence approach to self-care and ease. I am keeping my commitment to the principles which underlie the program.

Strangely, this doesn’t feel easy right now, but it will. I am sorry I am not able to start when I said I would. I am letting down the people already registered. It feels awful.

It is, however, the right thing to do for me, my other commitments this week, and the program.

AND, I am very excited about the new components of the course. Now I will have time to put it all together properly, and future participants will benefit. I look forward to sharing all the details with you soon.

And if you relate to this post and have comments or observations to share, please do so in the space below. I’d love to hear from you.

Image © shefkate / 123RF Stock Photo

The BodyIntelligence EASY Self-Care Program now starts on July 17^th. If you’re interested in being kept informed about this, I invite you to join the BodyIntelligence mailing list. You’ll also receive blog updates, tips, inspiration, advance notice of upcoming classes and workshops, AND my FREE Audio Guide to help you reduce stress and boost confidence in just 2 minutes! Click here to get it now >>