A week to revisit.

Lake Superior, on a foggy morning

This week I'd like to revisit some projects that have been in-process for awhile:  15 minutes, my kids' scrapbooks, postcard exchange, and recipe repertoire.

There's nothing like a week of vacation to reset your brain -- especially when it's a week away from everything in your house that's broken.  I usually bring a project with me, but panicked at the last minute that I was bringing too much, and left it behind, which meant a lot of leftover time for pondering.

First I thought about that project I wasn't working on.  And then I thought about all those other projects on my list. (Full confession: in addition to my Idea Journal, where I record would-be-projects, I also have a special binder for projects-in-process).  And then when I felt good and overwhelmed, I took a step back to think about my priorities.

Right now, I'm a mom, a wife, a keeper of the nest.  Earlier this summer I had a meeting for a committe I'm on, and after a five-minute recitation of why every night of my whole month was booked, the woman next to me -- older -- said just about any night would work for her.  I was struck with gratitude for my very full schedule -- lucky me to have baseball games and potluck nights and theatre auditions.  That solitude, that free evening I long for -- someday I'll have my share.  But right now, I'm a mom, a wife, a keeper of the nest -- and that comes first.

Second, I do have to earn my living.  (Again, so very lucky that I can earn it in such a joyful way.)

Third, growing.  I have learned a lot in my years as a Danish outlaw (i.e., married to a Dane) -- those Danish Lutherans love to learn.  Last month I attended a lecture on 14th century poetry with my octogenarian in-laws.  I also may have added this priority because I couldn't get this article out of my mind, or these two tidbits:

1. Set aside at least one designated time each week to think creatively, reflectively, strategically or long term. 
2. Take at least a half an hour in the evening to read something challenging and absorbing - an antidote to churning out emails, and racing between websites.

When I'm tempted to start some new something, I have to ask myself first:  does engaging in this project further my biggest goal (which is to stick to my priorities...at least for now)?  I actually feel like I have more freedom with that purpose in mind -- freedom to make meaningful choices and freedom to say no.  Refraining from starting anything new also helped me remember a few ongoing projects that have fallen by the wayside.  I'll take some time each day this week to bring those back into focus.

I'd love to hear about your priorities, your strategies, your projects too.

Comments

[MelissaPete]

We just did a beach vacation where I didn't have internet. It was very weird. The only think I wished I could do was blog, but only because I knew there would be so much to blog when I got home, and I like to keep up. :) I tried to "be in the moment" on this trip. I took my book basket and read a couple of books, but mostly I enjoyed our time on the beach by watching my kids play, or just sitting next to my husband and engaging in small talk. I'm now home and overwhelmed. Back to the house with the water leak damage. Waiting for the flooring to come in and having my office scattered throughout the house. I can hardly stand it. I'm trying to stay in the "one bite at a time" mind frame, otherwise I will get overwhelmed and shut down. I have been thinking a lot about how to go about life. I'm ready with some goals and a new mind frame for the fall. I need to be more of a "doer". I'm a great planner and dreamer, but I miss the connection that I'm the one who makes those plans and dreams happen. That's why I don't get a ton done. I think I am finally at a place where I see that I need to be an active participant in my life. My blog would show that we do tons of things, and I do. With my kids. But for myself? I dream and plan a lot, and then forget the plan of action and implementation process. That will be my goal in the coming weeks. I have purchased some cute little composition books that I plan to use as my idea journals, and I intend to write not only my goals, but how I can accomplish them. We'll see how it goes. :D

[Lisa S.]

Just finished listening to "Holes". Funny! LS

[Michael Nelson]

Hi Gina!

Oh my goodness -- talk about a rich inner life -- your writing and art are more amazing than ever. I needed to read this post this morning, thank you. I'm headed to t-ball and then softball and preparing for a museum job and a few creative deadline projects and trying to breathe. You make it all seem, almost sacred, if that makes sense. And your points about goals and choosing and taking time at night, very inspirational and helpful. I look forward to reading and learning more!
(ms.) Michael :-)