I guess I’ve always been an “All or Nothin’” kinda girl and new habits are hard to learn. I’ve changed so much in my life over the past 5 years but this thing, this BALANCE thing seems to be an elusive change for me. I immerse myself into whatever – eat, breathe, sleep it – and then just as quickly move onto the next thing.
But these past few months, I’ve realized that I now have 2 things that are Must Have’s in my life: training and art. I need them both. But I still have a hard time incorporating them both into my day at the same time. But. I NEED both. If I eschew artmaking and just eat/breathe/sleep training on my days off – and more particularly on my recovery weeks – my brain loses it. I’m like an autumn wasp whose Queen as gone away. Buzzing, buzzing with nothing to do. Getting in all kinds of trouble. Obviously, discarding the training isn’t an option right now if I want to cross that finish line in August. So. Here I sit. Hoping I’ll stumble across the answer before I rip myself apart. *sigh*
Jen, I wholly relate to what you are saying here. Can't do both but have to do both and feel you're taking from one to give to the other and vice versa.
Never you mind, though, my friend. You are an artful wonder woman….and you rule!
xo
S.
Stacy, thanks for the vote of confidence! xoxo
Jen, Balance – for me a physiological challenge as well as possibly a spiritual one, requiring mindfulness every moment. I can only share what I have found, it may not be everyone's truth: I can only have one thing at the top of my list. Every day, sometimes a few times in a single day, I check back in and see what is the absolutely most essential task, the next indicated thing (it may be taking a nap). I have never been one for whom big, wide-ranging plans have worked; my life and my progress seem to appear in smaller, more immediate increments. But I know that my version of life simply doesn't accommodate two equally essential things, they would constantly be at war with one another or I would be at war with myself and always falling short. It is one woman's story, for what it is worth. I wish you guidance and peace with your decisions.
Marylinn, as always you are eloquent and thoughtful in your response. I wish I was able to focus solely on one thing. It is the combination of "needs" that have me looking for balance. One without the other and I wouldn't be fit to live with. But it really is a tightrope struggle!
Robyn: Thanks! The photo is a sneak peek of a collab I'm participating in. More images soon, I hope!
Angelnina: Good luck with your explorations! It isn't always a smooth path but always interesting!
Cliff: Colouring books! Good idea. And hey! Send those recipes along. I'm not doing anything else right now.
Hey Ma, I'll pick you up so colouring books on your weeks off.
Maybe I can get you started in helping me build by gel empire. I've got a good recipe but it's not producing results.
"I immerse myself into whatever – eat, breathe, sleep it – and then just as quickly move onto the next thing."
I could have written the same thing. I have issues with balance too, and I have been hit over the head with a physical manifestation of it–vestibular problems. Through the vestibular therapy, I'm learning a lot about myself–perfectionism, good-ism, doing too much, etc. I have slowed down my pace, and i have found it helps me to enjoy each interest on a new level.
I like how you've narrowed down your list to what you need. I think I'll spend some time thinking about it for myself.
"like an Autumn wasp whose queen has gone away"….that describes perfectly how I feel between artworks. I love the image at the top of this post. Hope you find your balance soon.
What you resist persists. If balance isn't part of your natural order, why struggle for it?
Consume your training days fully. Be an athlete, completely. Then, lose yourself in creating. Be an artist, completely. Repeat as inspired.
Individually, each in their own time, do balance you. N'est pas?
Well. See. I NEED both. One to keep my brain in check, the other, well because I want to cross that finish line. It's the combination of the two that will keep me sane. Well. As sane as *I* can be anyway! Glad to see Studio 1771 tarted up once again Caryl. xoxo
Balance is something you will always work at – no matter what you are working to balance. You've done the hard work already – you've taken great strides by identifying just what is important – just what you want to spend you time on. The rest is just a matter of scheduling.
Ah yes. Scheduling. My other nemesis! Thanks Rebecca.
I know exactly how you feel! After beeing in school my whole life, I have finally finished..and don't know what to do. I work..which I love. But, all work and no play. makes for a very uncreative soul.
Just keep swimming..just keep swimming.
Breeze
Making "work" a passion isn't always easy and for it to become an "obsession" isn't the right path either. Good luck finding your balance, Breeze! I'll keep swimming ….
I have a feeling that you might be doing a little hibernating because you need it. Just have fun and make art. I know you'll cross that finish line in August with flying colors.
Thanks for the vote of confidence Susan! It means more than you know! xoxo
I feel you, grrl!
It's a need bigger than anything.
And those that say cheerfully, "well get up earlier.." they need a kick.
Thanks grrl! Nice to know I'm not the only one ..erm.. outta balance. xoxo