Albicocca – Mirella's Way

Some time ago, I read a sentence posted by my friend Asia Twardo-Kamińska, who is a psychologist:

“Life is not a checklist. Just live.”

I felt as if those words were meant exactly for me.

I have a strong need to plan things. I like when everything is done: work, shopping, cleaning, laundry.

My plan is always the same — once all tasks are completed, I’ll finally have time to be with my daughter. To play with her, to spend a peaceful evening together, to truly be.

But sometimes the plan starts controlling me instead of the other way around.

There are days when I am too tired to enjoy our time together, or too irritated to be fully present. Sometimes I feel stressed about everything I didn’t manage to do.

And sometimes the opposite — I finish everything, but instead of satisfaction, I feel empty.

That’s what happened yesterday.

It was our traditional Friday movie night. Instead of joining my family, I stayed in the bathroom to finish cleaning — because I “had to.”

The bathroom was spotless, but something important was happening — and I wasn’t part of it.

And that made me sad.

Because deep inside I know that in moments like this, I’m teaching my daughter the wrong lesson:

that a clean bathroom is more important than being together.

I’m learning to let go. I’m not perfect at it.

Life happens “here and now,” and cleaning can wait.

But old habits still sometimes take over.

And I let myself be tricked by my own expectations.

Do you ever feel the same?

When I Move Too Fast — I Need to Stop

In these moments, I return to meditation.

It gives me calm, balance, and clarity.

When I feel myself speeding up more than I want — that’s the sign.

Pause. Breathe. Listen.

Living in a big city, which never slows down, constantly fuels the rush.

That’s why:

• I don’t watch TV

• I limit news to the bare minimum

• I avoid Instagram, TikTok and most social media — except Facebook

• I read more books, and when I read, I reach for my phone much less

And I truly feel the difference.

I’m on My Way

I’m learning to live less according to a checklist and more according to the rhythm of the heart.

I’m learning to choose what truly matters, not what “should be done.”

I’m learning presence.

It’s a process.

But I’m walking it.

And you?

How do you find balance between responsibilities and life?