At the end of 2012, I talked about burn out. Well, I started this year feeling re-energized (although very busy, still!), and part of the reason for my reinvigoration was that I had a small epiphany. (I may actually have had this epiphany on epiphany...)
What I realized is that during my busiest work times, when I'm feeling overwhelmed by everything I have to do, what I always wish for is the ability to stop time. (You know, like Evie from Out of This World!) What I don't wish is to be able to just sweep the work off my desk. This served as a reminder to me of how much I love my work, every part of it. (well, almost.) I actually want to do all the work. Of course, this hasn't taken away the fact that I don't always have time to do it all as quickly as I would like, but it did help me put things in perspective.
As with many (most?) of us, work-life balance is an on-going issue, and probably will be for most of my life. I don't have the solution, but in addition to some of my new year's resolutions (which are more about making boundaries between work and life, not how to handle workload), I do have some strategies to tackle workload issues this year.
I recently attended a management training that evaluated my personality in terms of leadership. One of the many insights I gained was into how I deal with high-pressure situations. During busy, high-stress times, there is one part of my personality that tends to gets disorganized, and another side of my personality that tries to do even more, take more onto my plate. Not a great combination, and I have to say, very true to my nature.
I've already known this about myself, but it was a good reminder. So I need to get back into the habit of saying "no" more, or at the very least, not volunteering up my time so easily. And I need to stay more organized--I have a few newish tools that I'm trying out, including workflowy.com, which was introduced to me by an agent.
We'll see how it goes!
Regardless, I know it's going to be a great year.
***
I'm heading to Seattle for ALA Midwinter on Friday. If you'll be there, come by the Little, Brown booth to say hi! I'll also be speaking on a CBC Diversity panel on Sunday, January 27, from 3-4. Hope you can make it!
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By: Linda S. Wingerter,
on 1/21/2013
Blog: Blue Rose Girls (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: drawing lines between work and life, ALA, alvina ling, resolutions, organization, workload, work/life balance, epiphany, Add a tag
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By: Robyn Chausse,
on 12/10/2011
Blog: WOW! Women on Writing Blog (The Muffin) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: fun, time management, finding balance, inner child, workload, stress management, This Holiday Season Listen to that Still Small Voice, Add a tag
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By: Linda S. Wingerter,
on 1/21/2013
Blog: Blue Rose Girls (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: drawing lines between work and life, ALA, alvina ling, resolutions, organization, workload, work/life balance, epiphany, Add a tag
0 Comments on An epiphany as of 1/1/1900
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By: Robyn Chausse,
on 12/10/2011
Blog: WOW! Women on Writing Blog (The Muffin) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: fun, time management, finding balance, inner child, workload, stress management, This Holiday Season Listen to that Still Small Voice, Add a tag
My partner and I were out running errands when I stopped to admire a display of ceramic Santa Planters each with a baby pine tree (it was the trees that caught my attention—I’m a sucker for anything “baby”).
On cue he said “You should get one.”
As always I shot back, “Naw, that’s okay.”
We loaded the car and he walked off to return the cart. Just as I began to wonder where he’d run off to the door opened and he tossed me a bag—yep, the Santa Planter. Later that night he pointed out to me that every time my inner child reaches for something I slap her hands.
Has anyone ever handed you truth jerky—something you end up chewing on for a long time? For two days now I’ve been getting flashes of how I short change this little girl. I tell myself I’m giving her attention when we work on our “fun” writing projects or when we make gifts for others. After all, this is play—right? Not really. To my inner child this is like hiding vegetables in the Jell-O and calling it dessert.
Oh, my friend also said that if I keep refusing to give my inner child some play time at some point she will throw a tantrum and decide to go play whether I agree or not. I’m not sure what this would look like and I don’t think I want to find out.
As women we train ourselves to “get it done,” “do it perfect,” and “give unto others.” We repeatedly discuss how to fit “more” into 24 hours. Then the holiday season comes and in addition to our work/home/kids/care giving duties we add extra assignments, faster turn-arounds, holiday menus, shopping, and charitable causes. Does anyone else hear “Pop Goes the Weasel”? Something has to give…
This holiday season take a moment to give back...to yourself! Your inner child knows this is a festive time and she wants to play on her terms. So take a moment—right now is good—and ask that little girl what she would like to do for fun. Maybe she wants a cup of hot cocoa this morning. She might want to draw a picture. Heck, maybe the kid wants a Pillow Pet! Let her have it, she’s earned it!
For all the times she’s stayed up late working while others slept. For all the times she’s given up her piece of cake to make someone else happy. For all the times she’s quietly sucked it up when you broke yet another promise to her. Before the year ends set aside some special time with the one person who keeps your creative clock running—that spritely, joyful, playful spirit inside of you.
post & image by Robyn Chausse
What is your inner child asking for? Share it here…
On cue he said “You should get one.”
As always I shot back, “Naw, that’s okay.”
We loaded the car and he walked off to return the cart. Just as I began to wonder where he’d run off to the door opened and he tossed me a bag—yep, the Santa Planter. Later that night he pointed out to me that every time my inner child reaches for something I slap her hands.
Has anyone ever handed you truth jerky—something you end up chewing on for a long time? For two days now I’ve been getting flashes of how I short change this little girl. I tell myself I’m giving her attention when we work on our “fun” writing projects or when we make gifts for others. After all, this is play—right? Not really. To my inner child this is like hiding vegetables in the Jell-O and calling it dessert.
Oh, my friend also said that if I keep refusing to give my inner child some play time at some point she will throw a tantrum and decide to go play whether I agree or not. I’m not sure what this would look like and I don’t think I want to find out.
As women we train ourselves to “get it done,” “do it perfect,” and “give unto others.” We repeatedly discuss how to fit “more” into 24 hours. Then the holiday season comes and in addition to our work/home/kids/care giving duties we add extra assignments, faster turn-arounds, holiday menus, shopping, and charitable causes. Does anyone else hear “Pop Goes the Weasel”? Something has to give…
This holiday season take a moment to give back...to yourself! Your inner child knows this is a festive time and she wants to play on her terms. So take a moment—right now is good—and ask that little girl what she would like to do for fun. Maybe she wants a cup of hot cocoa this morning. She might want to draw a picture. Heck, maybe the kid wants a Pillow Pet! Let her have it, she’s earned it!
For all the times she’s stayed up late working while others slept. For all the times she’s given up her piece of cake to make someone else happy. For all the times she’s quietly sucked it up when you broke yet another promise to her. Before the year ends set aside some special time with the one person who keeps your creative clock running—that spritely, joyful, playful spirit inside of you.
post & image by Robyn Chausse
What is your inner child asking for? Share it here…
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9 Comments on This Holiday Season--Listen to that Still, Small Voice, last added: 12/12/2011
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Thank you for sharing this info with us!
Arent' partners the BEST for pointing these kinds of things out? <3
Oh, this is just exactly the voice of sanity I needed this morning to break free of the incessant demands of the season. Thank you for the reminder. May all our inner children celebrate with us this year!
Hi Allena,
Yes! I don't know where I would be without my "mirror" :)
Hi Monette,
Nice to know I wasn't the only one feeling the crunch!
Happy Holidays!
What a lovely piece, Robyn. Being that I never had children of my own, my inner child pretty much gets what she wants. :)
Great post, Robyn. While my husband may argue that it's my inner adult I tend to ignore sometimes, my inner child probably doesn't get enough play days this time of year. I think I'll bake sugar cookies today, not because I HAVE to but because I WANT to. Keep the good stuff coming! kt
What does my inner child want...I think purple finger nail polish!
Another great post. My inner child wants a writing mentor, a manicure, and a pedicure. Kudos!
So fun to have comments!! Thank you to all for sharing your thoughts.
Hey Jodi--sorry, I don't have any purple polish but I have some frosted island-green I could share:)
Karen--nice list!
Hmmm, my inner adult would love a massage, a reflexology treatment, and a haircut. My inner child wants to bake oatmeal/chocolate chip cookies, decorate the tannenbaum, and drive up north to play in the snow.
I think I'll have to strike a compromise; I might be able to manage the cookies and the tannenbaum tonight:)