My yard looks like this-
All .66 acres of it. Several copperheads have appeared and are now RIP. . My son has sent a crew to chop it all down and they're doing it. It is very necessary but at the same time scary: what will it look like? (Triage) Will everyone be able to see my needs paint house? (Yes). It is a work in progress and I am very grateful although feeling some shame about the appearance. Hopefully things will soften and grow back A LITTLE by fall.
Lately I am working on cleaning and decluttering. It is amazing how even just a little progress can create energy!
I am plagued with unrealized perfectionism, always waiting for the perfect time, waiting for x until y is ready, waiting until the house looks better before I have company, waiting for better weather and so on. What time of day should I paint? Write? Exercise? Call clients? Do housework? What is the perfect schedule? Health advisors say you really should exercise first thing in the morning. Artist and writer mentors assert that painting and writing should be done first thing in the morning and of course, real estate coaches are adamant that prospecting and lead follow up calls should be made first thing in the morning. I'm sure that musicians are also told the same.
In the meantime most of these things are either not getting done or are only done sporadically. This is frustrating and unproductive. It's also a huge waste of time to think about when to do what all the time. Some would see this as procrastination and I guess in a way it is but the real villain is perfectionism. Today on Facebook (which is what I do instead of any of the above) I happened across one helpful idea and I'm going to try it. (Imperfectly)
The post was an article from Elizabeth Gilbert's blog and she wrote about the kitchen timer and 30 minute sessions. Her mother used this method to get Elizabeth to: learn French, practice the piano, write thank you notes, and more. You can read the complete engaging post. http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/the-most-important-tool-in-a-creative-persons-life-dear-ones-do-you-want-t/ She is currently writing her new book in 30 minute bites wherever she is.
I'm hoping this idea will relieve my obsessive thinking about time.
I know I need more energy to work on any of the elements of my Younger Project. I've been reading The ONE THING by Gary Keller. It's all about focus. (more about this book later.)
First things first: I definitely need more energy.
Exercise- Every book and reference I read says that exercise is the most important element to implement in my life to create more energy. Of course when your energy is low it's hard to get going.
A little weight loss for better clothes fit- Knowing I look good raises my energy.
Declutter-Just looking at it drains energy.
Dance-this means going out at night so I'll need energy for this but it's FUN!
Clean up office and studio
Complete nagging tasks(Like returning those shoes that don't work)
Learn to take painting time and real estate business time
This morning I walked the dog early (7:15AM) to start the early walk habit as hot weather approaches. It was hard to make myself get dressed and do it but it felt great and everything was fresh. I feel fresh now
Today is the start of I blog I have envisioned for over a year. I'm finally starting and letting go of all those rules and instructions that have been causing me doubt, confusion and hesitation. What if I don't do it right? One resource says to have 3 months of posts ready before starting. No way; that sounds very boring and just keeps me from starting.
For years I have concentrated on looking and acting younger than my age and it has been working. I have even been asked in astonishment by friends to see my driver's license if I mentioned my age.
Now, however, I have reached a point where I can feel my energy sliding, my outlook becoming jaded; it is time for a newly focused approach.
This blog is a project for me to record and sort out how to feel better, look better and most of all to have more energy. I am inspired by Gretchen Rubin's blog and book The Happiness Project, http://gretchenrubin.com/ especially her way of tackling her ideas into monthly themes.
I plan to explore and implement ideas around:
Energy
Reduce Menopot
Michele Obama Arms
Posture Gait
Clothing
Hair/ Skin
Mind
Something Social
Work
Home
Adventure
Health
