🌀 Have to? Get to!

Hello and Happy Monday!
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I know I sure did—it was busy, it was social, and it was absolutely beautiful.

Lately, a lot of my focus has been centered on reframing—shifting my perspective and trying to see things in a more positive, grounded light. It’s a practice I’m still learning, but I’m already seeing how powerful it can be.

And this weekend reminded me of a phrase that has meant a lot to me over the years:

“Have to? GET to.”

Let me take you back to the origin story.

When I was 15, Green Day was touring for their American Idiot album, and my wonderful dad somehow scored tickets for our family of four. My sister and I were obsessed with Green Day at the time—this was a very big deal.

When we got to the venue and started making our way to our seats, my mom looked down at the arena floor—the standing room only section—and said something like,
“Oh, those poor people, they have to be standing down there the whole time?”
Without even thinking, I responded:
“Have to? GET to!”

And it just… stuck.

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🔄 Reframing the Everyday

I didn’t realize how powerful that mindset shift was until much later—when I found myself burned out, detached, and drowning in “have to” energy.

Somewhere along the way, I had stopped choosing my life. I was moving through my days like everything was an obligation—even the things I wanted to do. Depression had dulled everything, and I couldn’t see it clearly until I paused. I rested. I got honest with myself. And I started listening to that quiet inner voice again.

Perspective matters.
How you look at things matters.

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✨ This Weekend, I Got To…

If I had approached this weekend with my old mindset, it would have wrecked me. I would’ve seen my calendar and thought:
“Ugh, I have to go to all these things…”

I would have spiraled into anxiety or shame. Maybe even canceled. Maybe convinced myself I wasn’t up for it.

But I didn’t do that.
Instead, I asked myself:
“What if I looked at all of this as something I get to do?”

Suddenly, I was overwhelmed—not with stress, but with gratitude.

How lucky am I to have people who want to spend time with me?
How lucky that I genuinely adore those people back?

Yes, I’m tired. I slept 12 hours last night.
But my heart is full.

Yesterday, I got to catch up with a friend I haven’t seen in years. I got to meet her beautiful children. Later, another dear friend came over and I got to hang out with him and my husband all afternoon. What a gift.

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💜 Let “Get To” Lead the Way

I know I’ll still fall into “have to” thinking sometimes. I’m human. It’s a habit I’ve spent years reinforcing.

But I’m working on changing the story.
And keeping “get to” at the center helps.

So today, I invite you to try this with me.

When you catch yourself dreading something or slipping into overwhelm, pause.
Ask yourself:
“What if I get to do this?”

You might be surprised how much it softens everything.

Thanks for being here.
Stay tuned for more tales from the life of Bailz 💜