There is always something else we could be doing.
Another job around the house. Another plan to make. Something to organise, improve, prepare or add.
But could and should are not always the same thing.
In this episode of Seasonal Notes, I’m sharing this week’s Tuesday essay from Our Little House in the Country — a personal reflection on learning to recognise when we’ve done enough.
I’ve spent much of my life setting very high standards for myself — in work, at home, in motherhood and even in the way I approached the seasons and family celebrations. And while I don’t think there’s anything wrong with caring deeply or doing things well, I’m beginning to understand that there is no natural end to more.
There will always be another thing we could add.
In this episode, I talk about perfectionism and the pressure we can place on ourselves, why most things really aren’t emergencies, the freedom of allowing something to be “good enough”, and the things I’m learning to let go of as I get older.
I also reflect on what stopping actually gives us: more room for spontaneity, enjoyment, connection and, perhaps most importantly, the chance to be fully present in the life we’ve worked so hard to create.
Because maybe progress isn’t always about doing more.
Sometimes it’s recognising that what we’ve already done is enough.
In this episode
We chat about perfectionism and self-imposed pressure, the endless temptation to add “just one more thing”, learning to distinguish what genuinely matters from what we think we should be doing, simplifying family and seasonal traditions, why good enough is very often more than good enough, and allowing our success to make life easier rather than busier.
Read the Tuesday Essay
If you prefer to read rather than listen, Knowing When You’ve Done Enough is also available as this week’s Tuesday essay on Our Little House in the Country.
On the blog you’ll find the full written essay, along with lots more about seasonal living, home, family, simple everyday pleasures and making a little more room for what matters.
Visit: ourlittlehouseinthecountry.comLatest post: Knowing When You’ve Done Enough
Come and Find Me on Instagram
You’ll find me on Instagram at @ourlittlehouseinthecountry, where I share more of our everyday life in Ireland, seasonal ideas and inspiration, snippets from the blog, free printables and plenty of ordinary moments from life at Our Little House.
Our Little House in the Country
For more essays, seasonal inspiration and free printables, visit:
ourlittlehouseinthecountry.com
And if this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Are you getting better at recognising when you’ve done enough — or, like me, is it something you’re still learning?
Thanks so much for listening.
Chat soon,Ciara x
Get full access to Our Little House in the Country at ciarawinters.substack.com/subscribe
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