After feeling slightly overwhelmed by my growing to-do list at home, at work, on the internet, and in the foreseeable future, I decided the only way to fight that feeling was to become more organized. Step one? Email consolidation. I went through over 600 of them, sorting them out into classified folders for easy reference, deleting most, deleting a whole email account, and then starting a new email address for this blog and another for Seasoned Quarterly art (exciting stuff coming soon!) I'll be phasing out my old personal account this year, and staying on top of sorting and deleting as emails roll in.
Next, I decided I needed to pick which things I want and need to do every single day.
Wants? Take photographs, blog, spin yarn, read, eat a nice dinner with Jamie.
Needs? Keep up on dishes/laundry, respond to emails in a timely fashion, take care of our creatures.
And that still leaves a lot of other things that don't always fall into either category, but are always fueled by (manic) interest and motivation. Seasoned Quarterly, my Etsy shop, socializing with friends...
So this is my new goal: Striking Balance. And I know I've mentioned this a lot here, but now I feel like I know how to do that in my life. I'm going to treat my afternoons at home like I treat my mornings at work- divide the hours up into specific allotments, all in an effort to not get burned out. Do you have any of your own tips and tricks to share?
*Addendum: I just popped over to the SouleMama blog tonight. It seems Amanda and I have the same thought when it comes to spinning. Wool rug in a rocking chair is where it's at! Nice and comfy on the tush, and a good rocking motion to accompany the rhythm of the pedal. I had a chuckle when I saw that.*
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no tips.. just absolutely LOVE for your pictures. xo
ReplyDeleteahem, absolute LOVE. damn fingers. :)
ReplyDeleteStill trying to figure that one out myself... I do know that schedules and routine are just one of the things I cannot do... I'm amazed I've been able to make it through school this long seeing as I tend not to follow the schedule about 2 weeks in...
ReplyDeleteBut farm life and the responsibilities of animals and the need to make money do neccesitate being organized and a schedule of some sorts.
I'm taking tips from you though - I like the idea of seperating wants from needs and going from there. :)
p.s. you totally having me itching to buy a new camera, your photos are beautiful!
I try to keep a to do list and cross items off as I finish, no matter how small. That makes me feel productive. And, I try to minimize email/blogging/internet wandering time while I am working - whether at work or at home. All I allow is podcast or music.
ReplyDeletehaha, Julie, thank you. ;)
ReplyDeleteErin, I used to be the same way. In fact, it's taken me this long to finally come to the realization that I really have it in me (as I'm sure you do too) to be organized and resist distractions. (And thank you! Though I think you already take some gorgeous pictures with your current camera...)
Sonrie, that second half (not internettting while working) is key. That's what I've been trying to force myself into these past few days. Great success today! Only wandered off to a couple blogs once or twice! ;)
I saw the chair on Soulemama and then here as well and figured you all must be on to something! :) Beautiful photos and amazing screened in porch as well! I hope you are able to continue to find balance in your days.
ReplyDeleteSara, I noticed later she and I were both plying wool actually. I feel like a rocking chair helps that process because you have to get your body into it a little more as the spool fills up and the pedal becomes harder to push. Thank you for all of your sweet words. I am working on that balance. It's getting there. ;)
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