Is Complacency A Good Thing?

There’s a time and a place to be patient. But sometimes we need to stop waiting, and just let go. Complacency may get a bad wrap, but this is where it’s value really shines through.

Let me explain: On the one hand, patience is waiting for something, worth waiting for, without complaining. Trusting that it will come when it’s time. Complacency is deciding that something isn’t worth waiting for or worrying about, and letting it go.

As a society we put a great deal of emphasis on patience, and it’s worth our attention! I don’t know too many people who would say, Yeah, I have enough patience. It’s something we can all work on.

But in this era of uncertainty and limbo and what if’s, complacency also has it’s place.

Existing under extended periods of stress takes it’s toll on our energy. I lost my gusto for being “on top” of everything some months ago. At the same time, I struggle with accepting the persona of drift wood, floating along wherever the current takes me.

So here’s the compromise I came up with: I choose to be complacent about the state of my floors. With the rain here now, and our dog being the ultimate transporter of dirt, sand, sticks, leaves, mud, hair… you get the idea. The floor is what it is, and I’ll get to it when I can. In the mean time, I’ll wear slippers.

I’m complacent about the state of the clutter in my house. Right now, clutter is our reality. The purging that usually happens in the summer was derailed by COVID. Now, there are literally piles in every. single. room. If I allow myself, I can really begin hyperventilating about the whole thing. For now, I do my best to ignore the piles, and recognize that this is just the way it is (emphasis on the for now).

Choosing to be complacent about certain things in life, especially right now, doesn’t mean we’re giving up. It means that we’re prioritizing what matters most. Low energy is a real consequence to being under perpetual stress, and with limited energy, it’s even more important to prioritize.

Our hopes and dreams won’t go anywhere. They’re too important. Fortunately for us, they’re also patient and will be there no matter the obstacles we face.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything, maybe try asking yourself what’s truly important in your life, and find a way to be okay with putting the rest in the complacency box.

Hugs,
Anon

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