Life has become an overwhelming juggle of responsibilities—work, household chores, and the never-ending demands of caring for children. It feels like a constant struggle, and despite occasional triumphs, burnout has become an unwelcome companion.
Amidst this chaos, a poignant story surfaced on Quora, shared by Kate Scott, capturing a moment of revelation during a therapy session. In the thread titled “Has a therapist ever told you something completely unexpected?” Kate’s response resonated profoundly, garnering over 281,000 views.
During a particularly challenging period in her life, where lethargy and lack of motivation kept her bedridden on some days, Kate found herself in therapy with seemingly nothing to bring to the session. When asked about her struggles, she gestured vaguely, expressing a general sense of being overwhelmed by life.
Dissatisfied with the vague response, the therapist delved deeper, urging her to pinpoint the exact issue causing distress. Reluctantly, she admitted that the seemingly trivial task of doing the dishes felt insurmountable. The prospect of scrubbing them before placing them in a malfunctioning dishwasher became a mental roadblock.
Feeling foolish for admitting such a seemingly minor concern, Kate was met with unexpected wisdom. The therapist simply said, “Run the dishwasher twice.” Defying conventional wisdom, he challenged the notion of rigid rules governing mundane tasks.
This unconventional advice had a profound impact, providing Kate with a newfound sense of liberation. The next day, she took a shower lying down, and gradually, she discarded arbitrary rules that had once dictated her actions. Folding laundry became a haphazard yet liberating task, and she began to realize that, at that moment, there were no rules.
In the therapist’s simple yet revolutionary words— “If you don’t want to scrub the dishes and your dishwasher sucks, run it twice. Run it three times, who cares?! Rules do not exist.”—Kate found a powerful lesson. It was a revelation that enabled her to regain control and celebrate small victories.
In the depths of her struggle, this unorthodox advice became a lifeline. Kate emphasizes the importance of understanding that there are no fixed rules for navigating life’s challenges. As she embraced this newfound perspective, the burden lifted, and she regained the freedom to define her accomplishments on her terms.
Now, in a healthier place, Kate acknowledges the value of routines and proper procedures. Yet, the enduring lesson remains—during the toughest times, there are no rules. It’s a liberating reminder that if you’re getting through the day, you’re doing your best, and your best doesn’t conform to predefined rules.
This narrative, originating from Kate Scott’s Quora post, serves as a poignant reminder that self-compassion and flexibility are essential. In the unpredictable journey of life, sometimes the most powerful guidance comes from discarding the rules and embracing the freedom to navigate challenges in our unique way. Take care, everyone.
image source : Thrifty – Fun 2P News
