Is Your Everyday Life Interfering with Your Art?

I almost fell in.....

Some days, it’s tough to start anything, even just writing the first sentence. I know what I want to say, but getting it out is a struggle. You know those days.

For the past six months, I’ve been working to build an online Fiberarts Community with all the bells and whistles. It’s been fun learning new things and designing online experiences, but I’ve been neglecting the real world. It’s been over a month since I’ve picked up my paint brushes and several weeks since I’ve spent more than half an hour knitting. My real-life art has been overtaken by the digital life I’m building. I now see this is a classic example of not balancing life and work.

I recently spent 8 days at my MIL’s and thought I had everything set up to work, but of course, there were tech glitches. I managed to get some work done, but it had been so long since I spent an afternoon knitting, and Lake Huron was just meters away. So, I decided to take a break. Between tech issues, spotty internet, two dogs, a lake, and my knitting, it was an easy choice.

Committing to Change!

I was actually there to help my MIL after a heart scare (she’s doing well now). I just helped with things around the house and cooked meals, nothing more than I do at home. It was nice to spend time with her. In the afternoons, I’d sit and knit, which was glorious! I had planned to go to the lake every day, but various mattresses took a toll on my back. I still enjoyed the view and took a few nice trips to let the dogs play in the water.

As a person with A.D.D., I need to find a way to schedule my time so that all aspects of my life are in balance. Here are some techniques that might help:

Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time for different activities, such as work, art, and relaxation. Stick to these blocks to ensure you give attention to all areas of your life.
Prioritizing Tasks: List your tasks in order of importance and tackle them one by one. This can help prevent feeling overwhelmed and ensure that you make progress on your most important projects.
Setting Alarms and Reminders: Use alarms and reminders to keep you on track throughout the day. This can help manage transitions between activities and ensure you don’t lose track of time.
Breaks and Downtime: Schedule regular breaks to rest and recharge. Short, frequent breaks can improve focus and productivity.
Combining Activities: Find ways to combine activities you enjoy with those you need to do. For example, listen to a podcast while knitting or take a walk while brainstorming ideas.

This experience has given me some insight into the importance of balancing life and work. It’s easy to get caught up in projects and let them consume all our time, but it’s crucial to step back and reconnect with the real world. Taking breaks, enjoying hobbies, and spending time with loved ones are essential for our well-being and creativity. Moving forward, I’m committed to finding a better balance and making time for the things that bring joy and relaxation into my life.

Until next time friends…