I want to make more progress on this. Despite the fact that I try to slow down and mindfully savor the simple things in life (as opposed to rushing through everything like it was a drive-through), the truth is I am constantly inclined to over-schedule. There are so many things that I am passionate about and want to learn that it sneaks up on me. I do it without realizing it, a Tango class here, a potluck there, autumn hikes with a friend, yoga class, volunteer projects, etc. All quality things, but there are too many and they pile up without my noticing.
Add on top of this that I have an artistic nature that draws me towards lots of quiet introspective time (“moodling” if you’re familiar with the “Artist’s Way”) and the days are just packed.
Note: I’m whining about this and I don’t even have kids.Those of you who do, feel free to throw things and heckle. I can already sense a luscious, succulent, mindfully half-eaten orange being hurled at me from Suzette’s direction. I realize I totally suck.
I think it mainly comes from not having an accurate sense of how long things take. Lots of us who over-book have this problem. I have studied several time-management books/sites and this pops up a lot. Once that is grasped, I move on to the “Well, what’s most important?” phase then the “clean up the time-wasting” aspect. The real beast though is the spontaneity/wild child alter-ego. I’m constantly invited/prevailed upon to join activities, clubs, classes, etc. and at that moment the answer is “You bet! I’m there!” I am making some progress in reining this in but it’s not easy. I have to consciously stop, count to three, and remember that time is limited—what do I really want to do?
