I had a rough couple of days there, feeling really down and overwhelmed. Friday night was really rough (some kid-related stuff, some of my own stuff) and there was crying but somehow yesterday I felt much more at peace.
I also had an epiphany in the shower about my current feelings of overload, which is that I need to take Best Laid Plans Academy 2025 out of the equation. I had grand plans to revamp this course (based on prior feedback and the ‘gelling’ of my material that happened while writing the book), and planned for it to run in the fall, just like last year. But with multiple call weeks, book-related tasks (everything launch related + recording the audio), and the inevitable reality that my 2 non-clinical days are not going to be entirely devoid of other things, it just doesn’t fit. I supposed I could run it with the older materials, but I’ve taught it 4 times and am at the point where I see the points that need refreshing, and I really want to do that. Plus, not running it at all opens up a lot of time — it’s by far the most labor intensive course I teach with sessions every 1-2 weeks and a lot of email support.
I LOVE doing it, and I believe it has truly helped people, and I want to do it again! But not this fall.
Maybe I knew that in my heart and it was causing psychic unrest, because once I had this realization I felt so much better.
We ended up going to the library, I took C to pick up his new glasses (love them!), I got to Inbox Zero and Physical Desktop File Zero (this was overdue), and then got a bee in my bonnet to clean out my stationery supplies. BEHOLD MY PEN DRAWERS:
Remind me to never buy any pens again. (I continue to be so impressed at the LONG lifespan of many of my pens, btw. Many are over a decade old and still going strong!)
THEN I got some work done. The kids did play a lot of video games, but we also went out to dinner as a family and had a nice time. This is not how I want to spend every weekend, but it was okay.
I also moved into a Hobonichi Avec (Jul – Dec, with a vintage cover) for the ultimate fresh start.
Happy Sunday! My SIL/niece are coming over, C has a friend/pool date, I should be able to get some more work done, AND clean out G’s clothing (we are going to bring a bunch of stuff to Philadelphia for my niece so I am motivated!).
7 Comments
Choosing to do less is brave and against instinct and its much needed to preserve sanity and peace, and to be able to enjoy what we have. Great that you’ve made that decision. I look forward to read your book.
I’m glad you figured out a way to make work feel more balanced. The work to launch the book is a lot and that time had to come from somewhere.
Oh good! It’s true- you have a lot more on your plate this year than normal, with the book coming out. Glad you were able to find a solution.
It sounds like a nice weekend, in spite of the work you’re doing. I’m sure the kids were thrilled to have video game time! Like you said, every single weekend won’t be this way. Every once in a while is fine.
As someone who was *literally JUST* thinking about doing some weekend research work, thank you for this post to tell me that I absolutely should not do this. On one hand, I had wanted to get a draft of this manuscript out before July 1, but on the other hand, I have had 1-2 non-clinical days per week rather than my usual 2-3 and have been totally worn out and actually unable to make myself sit and work on the weekends. So, I haven’t. Also, I have a 24h call tomorrow, so F*** THIS S***. Frankly, the chances of me not getting bumped to clinical track next year approach zero, so… like… why stress about it (or so I try to tell myself)?
Your weekend sounds nice! There’s nothing wrong with video games, especially in the summer. To that point, maybe I will ask my daughter to play some Mario Kart with me this afternoon. Or do a little yoga. Or sit in the yard and watch the dogs play. Or read Skippy Dies. Or maybe all four. 🙂
Thank you! You really do help people, you know. 🙂
Awww I’m so glad! I had a super lazy weekend overall and honestly it was great. Hope you get lots of rest!
Oh there’s nothing like the relief of taking something big off your to do list. That is an impressive pen collection. I’ve basically swapped over to refillable fountain pen only, and really should just go through all the pens and drop them at the library.
We had a busy weekend and I feel a bit behind on everything. But we had a great time on a picnic with friends and enjoyed How to Train Your Dragon at the cinema. AND all going well, I have 4 days alone in my house from Saturday AM and that’ll give me a bit of an extra work time and some time to get some projects done. And to get into town for a yoga class and buy myself some new shorts. I’m normally a “everything used” but anything that needs to go over my bum needs to be tried on.
ooh I think the kids would like that movie!! Good luck on the shorts expedition 🙂