I struggle with this every summer. During my time off (I’m a HS teacher) how can I use my time? I always have big plans, esp regarding my writing. Trying to balance creative productivity and recharging for the new school year is challenging to navigate.
Yep, definitely a syndrome among teachers, I suspect! I'm also learning (finally?!) as I round 50 that my eyes are always bigger than my stomach when it comes to hopes and dreams and time, and that's true whether I choose work or leisure... Somehow, though, when I remember this and think, "Ah, yes. This is how it always is!" it helps me begin looking for how I can be satisfied with my progress, instead of feeling continually disappointed with all I haven't done. 🤣
Probably the correct answer is balance, but I’m going with “Make hay while the sun shines”. Parenting is hard work and can be exhausting. It’s 24/7. Do some fun stuff for you in the next few weeks while you have the freedom from that responsibility! ❤️
First, totally get your desire to "get it right" Something I am slowly learning (with emphasis on slowly) is to catch when that "do it right" gremlin is whispering in my ear. Doesn't make them go away but awareness is the first step to healing.
There's an interesting tension between "perfection" and excellence for me. When is my desire to create something really cool moving into the get it right side? And is it possible to truly "waste" time?
Wishing you an off time that feels fun and nourishing!
Love how you've named the tension between perfection and excellence... And no, I don't personally feel that it's possible to "waste" time! But it's pretty common for me to feel disappointed in progress made (or not) over time. And I think getting curious about that disappointment and what's underneath it could be a rich investigation!
I struggle with this every summer. During my time off (I’m a HS teacher) how can I use my time? I always have big plans, esp regarding my writing. Trying to balance creative productivity and recharging for the new school year is challenging to navigate.
Yep, definitely a syndrome among teachers, I suspect! I'm also learning (finally?!) as I round 50 that my eyes are always bigger than my stomach when it comes to hopes and dreams and time, and that's true whether I choose work or leisure... Somehow, though, when I remember this and think, "Ah, yes. This is how it always is!" it helps me begin looking for how I can be satisfied with my progress, instead of feeling continually disappointed with all I haven't done. 🤣
I love your questions!
Probably the correct answer is balance, but I’m going with “Make hay while the sun shines”. Parenting is hard work and can be exhausting. It’s 24/7. Do some fun stuff for you in the next few weeks while you have the freedom from that responsibility! ❤️
It’s probably not a coincidence that every “seasoned” parent seems to have this opinion and advice!! 😆
First, totally get your desire to "get it right" Something I am slowly learning (with emphasis on slowly) is to catch when that "do it right" gremlin is whispering in my ear. Doesn't make them go away but awareness is the first step to healing.
There's an interesting tension between "perfection" and excellence for me. When is my desire to create something really cool moving into the get it right side? And is it possible to truly "waste" time?
Wishing you an off time that feels fun and nourishing!
Love how you've named the tension between perfection and excellence... And no, I don't personally feel that it's possible to "waste" time! But it's pretty common for me to feel disappointed in progress made (or not) over time. And I think getting curious about that disappointment and what's underneath it could be a rich investigation!