I feel like my mind is all over the place right now. I have at least 6 different projects waiting for me to begin them. I'm trying to prep for my next class, I'm starting to think about my veg garden and all the work that needs to be done in my yard, plus working on the room formerly known as Maddie's room and Emma's treehouse.
Some days I feel like my head might explode. It all gets so overwhelming for me with all the pulling in different directions and lists of things that need to be done on top of the everyday things that need to be done like bills, groceries, chauffeuring, cleaning and cooking. I know it seems like a homemaker with no littles underfoot must have oodles of time on her hands but quite honestly I find it difficult to even carve out time to take a walk. Don't mistake my words for complaints. I'm eternally thankful to have this life and these opportunities. I just feel like perhaps I'm not using them the way I want to be.
There are times I just want to simplify. I want to cancel classes, pull back from blogging, quit saying yes and spend my days without lists. Simple days full of doing whatever project calls to me that day, making things to sell on Etsy, writing, baking, walking the dog, gardening, hanging clothes on the line, meeting a friend for coffee. Reading a book! Maybe that could be my life. Or maybe that could at least be my life this summer.
I feel a change coming. Maybe it's just the first breeze of Spring stirring my heart. I want to take time to notice the small moments and hidden beauty in the everyday. I know it doesn't need to be an all or nothing proposition but sometimes it feels like an easier idea than trying to find balance. This morning I'm going to make myself take the time to go for a walk. Who knows where it will lead?
So, this isn't at all what I intended to blog about this morning. I was going to share a bit of Emma's birthday party but instead I guess I needed to blog from my heart. A random post full of random pictures. It feels like the right way to start this week.
I love your blog! Such a inspiring place to come to! Have a good day.
ReplyDeleteIt happens. Sometimes we need to look to where we can cut back, because BALANCE is important! I have shared a community garden plot with my next door neighbors for the last 7 years, and this year I decided not to do it. I had to drive to get there, and it was like pulling teeth to get the kids to go with me. They used to love to go. All I feel is RELIEF that I can take one thing off my plate. I will do with a tomato plant on my deck this year!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it helps to unload our feelings just to sort through them. Cheers to a great week ahead sis!
ReplyDeleteOh, Jen-It is so nice to know that you are just a normal person with feelings of being overwhelmed and pulled so many ways at times by life swirling around you. I sometimes tend to think of you living in this perfect little Village, living your dream life, with the simple ebb and flow of days laying out calmly before you.
ReplyDeleteI think we all have those moments when we think WHAT???? WHY am I doing this and WHAT should I be doing instead. Don't you think it is the stirring of a new season coming and just moving along on life's current? You're doing good, girl, you're doing good~ xo Diana
Yes, life does get overwhelming at times. Sometimes it is just a reaction to obligations, sometimes it is because we are just tired and sometimes we really do need to make a change. Whenever I feel that way, I let a few days pass before I make any major decisions. It might be a temporary mood. If the feelings are still there, it's good to suspend some things for a time to see if I am heading the way I want to go. It's always good to reassess. Hope you sort it all out. It's important to do what makes you happy. Good luck. xx
ReplyDeleteAmen, Jen! I hear you loud and clear. When I left my 3-day-a-week job last October, I thought I'd get tons of things done. Ha! Some days, I just don't know where the time goes. I do think that social media consumes a lot of our time. I've been thinking more lately about taking technology breaks.
ReplyDeletewhen you get busy & life becomes overwhelming the things that were originally done out of the love of doing can lose their fun & become just another chore to mark off your to-do list (i so understand this! i had a photography business that i ran out of my home for 20 years. it has taken me 4 years of absolutely no photography to start itching to play around with it again :)). the great thing about your blog & your classes is that you can put them aside until you feel inspired to take them up again. if you take some time off, i will miss this dreamy little corner of the internet, but will be routinely checking (stalking? :))the site for my cottage nest fix.
ReplyDeletespring is the time for reinvention, rejuvination, creating & being outside. just be and enjoy!
nanne, who is so overly excited about spring & my garden that i have spent the last few days looking for weeds to pull.
I love random!!! and I love your Pics... Don't forget the Definition of insanity .. doing the exact same thing everyday ..and expecting different results!!! Get out and PLAY!!!
ReplyDeletewwhhooo
I hear you and I like to see random, from-the-hear posts! I was just thinking today - when do I quit saying yes to all the custom orders that bring in the cash and just create what I want to even if it doesn't sell immediately! It's hard to know what the balance is. Loved all your photos in this post too!
ReplyDeleteNessuna fatica e nessun tempo può sbiadire quello che noi siamo e tu Jen sei fantastica. Auguri ad Emma, mia omonima, sui primi gradini dello sbocciar della vita. Emma
ReplyDeletejust stumbled on your blog and am so glad i did...love this post and can relate so deeply. following you now and look forward to sharing this lovely journey with you.
ReplyDeletemichele
hello lovely
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ReplyDeleteI used to love to stay home and be a wife who did not work outside the home. But I was not using my talents and so I got a little part-time job! I only work 7 months out of the year and I can really enjoy my time off in the summer. I get to
ReplyDeletedo all the projects in the summer, I have put off during the season, Oct. thru May. But some days I wish I could stay home full time, even though I feel I have more energy when I go to work. I have 3 sons at home and 5 dogs, it's fun!
Give yourself time to figure it all out and don't worry if you end up doing the same thing you are doing now-surprise! We all need time away from the ordinary! I like your list of things to do this summer...why does it have to be summer? Do them now! Enjoy!
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i feel you friend! the spring weather we are having is helping. maybe that frustration is the modern version of cabin fever...
ReplyDeletei'm so happy to read this because i seriously feel this way ALL the time. i know exactly how you feel. it's exasperating, all of it. i have just one little and that makes it pretty hard to get much done ;)
ReplyDeletei don't imagine it gets much easier as they grow up with all their activities and such. i'm grateful too, like you, but i just so know what you are talking about here, thanks for sharing! i like your little "life plan", sounds perfect, even if just for summer!!