Have you ever read that book? Getting Things Done? I have, and it's the kind of thing that throws me straight into a tailspin. I am so meticulous and detail-oriented that when someone suggests that the key to productivity is to get all of the thoughts from your head onto paper, I take it very literally and try to do just that. I was into the whole GTD thing for a while when planning our wedding. I have hundreds of manilla file folders, a filing cabinet and even a label maker. That sort of rigidity can only last for a short while and then you realize that organizing what you need to get done is actually another thing that needs to get done and by then you are exhausted and just decide to try again tomorrow.
Since Rylie has arrived, it has been a day to day evaluation of the most important thing that needs to happen. And then if I'm lucky I might get that one thing done, or I may just get my teeth brushed. So far motherhood, among other things, has been a lesson in letting go. I am learning to be ok with the sink full of dishes and the unfolded laundry. I tell myself that people will understand if my email responses come in a few days rather than in a few hours (there are days I never even make it to the computer to check my email.) And hopefully my sister will forgive me for not yet sending her a birthday gift. Like my friend Mandy said the other day, "My first year of motherhood in a word: surrender." I am trying to learn how to do just that.
Slowing down and focusing in on immediate needs is definitely a welcome change around here. The challenging part is still getting the things done that MUST get done. Fabric needs to be designed, websites need to be updated, meals need to be made, grocery lists need to be written. Ryan helps out with a lot of this, but he works full time and is away from home a good part of the week. So, I blog and email with babe in arms or even when she is nursing. And I have streamlined things like, say, showers down to the absolute minimum; I'm in, I'm out and I get on with my day. My hair goes straight into a ponytail and that's it.
That being said, I know that in order to take good care of others I must first take good care of myself. I have made a concious decision to make sure that I get a little "me" time into every day, even if it is only ten minutes. I will share these little moments with you here and there. My hope is that they will help me to recharge, focus and eventually get things done.
What do you do in order to stay balanced?
Hello! I'm Liz Scott - mama to two little ones, maker, and all around curiosity chaser. I live with my family in Los Angeles, where we seek to fill each day with adventure, joy and creativity. I write about it all here on the blog. Thank you for visiting.
