Yesterday, out of nowhere, an opportunity landed in my inbox. Right away, I could already see exactly how I'd approach it, the effort, the care I'd take, the final product. It's the kind of work that I love, the kind that makes me forget to check the clock.
But here's the hard truth: I can't do it. Not right now. Not at the level I'm used to producing at.
I slept on it last night. This morning I was up early, reviewing everything - my current workload, family commitments, life in general. Calendars don't lie. I could squeeze this new work in, sure. I could add it to the pile and give it whatever scraps of energy remain at the end of the day.
But.... I don't want to disappoint myself - or anyone else - by delivering something mediocre when I know what I'm capable of creating.
It breaks my heart to say no. In the past, I've often said yes. I'd figure it out somehow, sleep less, push harder, make it work. But I'm older now, and I'm trying to slow down at least a little bit. I'm learning that not every opportunity needs to be seized, that rest isn't laziness, and that protecting my energy is just as important as proving myself.
This opportunity might not come around again. But saying yes would mean showing up as a shadow of myself, rushing through something that deserves my full attention, compromising on standards I've spent years building.
So for now, I decline. I send the email with a heavy heart. And I remind myself that sometimes the most professional thing you can do is recognize your limits and be honest about them.
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