what a difference in a year

[figment]

A year ago, I was packing a truck, and then having a delightful drive across country with azure_armand and his dad and Oblivious.

Somehow, in that year, we successfully moved, got married, bought a place, survived our first winter back in Minnesota, and I got my dream job. We got involved in local creative things that make us happy. Not everything is perfect -- azure_armand could still use a job, for example -- but many things are good. I feel like we accomplished far more than it seemed reasonable to hope.

...

I started writing this entry to vent about stress, about how I take on too much and then get overwhelmed and freak out. About how I like to be busy, but the time before CONvergence always seems to descend into a maelstrom of anxiety and high-but-not-high-enough productivity. Last night I was thinking about whether this tendency to overcommitment is a really serious problem, or if I just need to practice saying "No" a little more often.

But then I thought about last year, and how much easier this year is, and how good things are, and it put it all into perspective.

... Huh. I think that's what journaling is supposed to do.

Comments

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

Take THAT, Facebook!

K. [glad you're back]

[birdfigment.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[spacebug.livejournal.com]

Oh, so much of this resonates.
It's really awesome having you guys as neighbors.

[birdfigment.livejournal.com]

Likewise.

[laffingbuddha.livejournal.com]

This is what I like about LJ, thanks for taking the time to write something. I think that dealing with over commitment is a unique experience in this time and place. We have so much that we want to do and have to do that it's hard not to feel like you are being squeezed in a vice. I have looked at this issue and I distilled it down to a simple formula to help me. First, I went to a monthly calendar view. I found that if I used a week view I overextended myself more often than not. Second, I evaluate an opportunity by asking myself if it is going to feed me or drain me. If it will feed me physically, emotionally or spiritually I am more apt to commit. If it drains me I hesitate. We all have things that must be done and some of those may be draining so I make sure that I then build in some recovery time. It's not a perfect system but it helps. Having good friends for sounding boards are also helpful.

[birdfigment.livejournal.com]

I like your thought of using a calendar view. I mean, I *do* use a monthly calendar view but I don't always schedule everything I'm doing, and I don't schedule down/recovery time, which I totally need. Thank you for the thoughtful response!

[fayde.livejournal.com]

You can do it. And remember, it is ok, in the end to say to yourself, "enough!" and know that 90% can be just as good and you will enjoy everything more if you can just let go.

Also, if there is something that I can do from home, I hope to have the evening "free" to do random stuff, and I can help if you need it.

[birdfigment.livejournal.com]

You have enough to do! I'm so glad for the help you have given me, though. Thanks a million & see you tonight.

[star5.livejournal.com]

it can be hard to balance the nos and yeses. i know if i don't say yes to some things then i end up not pushing myself enough, but i also know if i say yes too much i go crazy. trying to get better at the balance and trying to be more aware! perspective is good.

good luck with all you're doing. i hope some of our con relax time overlaps and we get to enjoy some of the results of our hard work together!

[birdfigment.livejournal.com]

Yeah, if I didn't get involved in anything I would be depressed and disappointed in myself. Being busy and involved makes me happy! I just have to watch out for the balance of nos and yeses.

I look forward to seeing you at con! I'm sure we'll overlap a little at least.

[cloudscudding.livejournal.com]

Yay! Sounds good. And what a lot you got done last year!

[birdfigment.livejournal.com]

Yeah, what a busy year! ...So busy we didn't even send out the obligatory holiday card telling everyone all of that. Oops.