Does letting go mean being lazy?

Question

I seem to have a lot of anxiety, but I've worked hard on letting go of things that were causing me unnecessary stress. However, I've noticed that as I've learned to let go of things, I also do less.

For example, at one point I used to compulsively do dishes as soon as I was done using them. Now, there's nothing wrong with that and in fact it was certainly a good thing except for the fact that I felt obligated to do it, and I felt I was letting myself down or failing if I didn't do it right away and I wasn't pleased that my dishes were clean, but simply relieved that this task was done and I would stress myself out over it and become anxious if I didn't have time to do dishes right away for whatever valid reason.

As I've learned to let go of these little things I've been feeling better, less stressed and less tired and have been sleeping better.

However, as a result, I notice I'm doing less than before. I sometimes let dishes or laundry pile up, I don't always clean my apt on a regular basis and I frequently cancel activities when I don't feel up to it, which I used to never do because I felt obligated even if I was ill, exhausted or just didn't have the time or energy to do something.

Am I worrying over nothing? Is it normal and healthy to let go of these little things or am I slowly becoming lazy and irresponsible?

Answer 1

You are probably somewhat of a perfectionist, not an unusual trait in women but one we tend to obsess on a bit.  By learning to let these things go you have improved your life.  Your work still gets done and you are able to decide not to do some things that are probably not really that important.

You are living a healthy life girl...enjoy.

Answer 2

maybe you're burnt out.  

Answer 3

It sounds like you're just being good to yourself, and doing what I specialize in - worrying about worrying.  I've let dishes and laundry and other cleaning go a lot this past year because I've not felt well; chronic fatigue.  Otherwise, I was similarly compulsive about it, and actually found it relieved stress to do dishes.  But that's not the norm, and not required in order ot be a responsible person. I do think it's more healthy to cancel activities rather than do them when you're exhausted or ill, not that I don't sometimes drag myself to things. You don't sound lazy or irresponsible to me.

Answer 4

Your are not becoming lazy and irresponsible, you obviously need time to yourself, which is what all of us need at some point, don't worry about it, and chill out!

Answer 5

take a break and clear your mind. maybe a mini-vacation. i guarantee you, you'll feel refreshed and alive. Also have faith in God and yourself.