Breaking the Rules: The Power of Running the Dishwasher Twice

 At a time when life felt overwhelming and even the smallest tasks seemed insurmountable, a simple piece of advice made all the difference. Someone who was struggling deeply with the weight of daily life shared their experience during a therapy session. 

When asked what was bothering them the most, they hesitated before admitting that it was something as mundane as doing the dishes. The task felt impossible because their dishwasher wasn’t efficient, and the thought of scrubbing each dish was too much to bear.

Instead of dismissing the concern, the therapist offered a surprising suggestion: *“Run the dishwasher twice.”*

This advice wasn’t about the dishes alone—it was about breaking free from the unnecessary rules and expectations that often weigh us down. It was a reminder that it’s okay to find your own way through difficult times, even if it means doing things differently than you’ve been taught.

So, the person went home and did exactly that. They ran the dishwasher three times without worrying about whether it was the ‘right’ way. And with that, they began to lift the burden that had been holding them back. Small victories followed—taking a shower lying down when standing was too hard, folding laundry without striving for perfection. Each step was a reminder that there are no fixed rules for how to cope with life’s challenges.

Over time, as they healed and grew stronger, the need for those small adjustments faded. But the lesson remained clear: when life feels overwhelming, it’s okay to break the rules. If it helps you move forward...run the dishwasher twice.