Sumach suckers, leaves about to fall...
Already December is nearly upon us, while I am still getting used to the fact that it is no longer July! I've just walked across our drive (over to the compost bins where many worms are making light work of breaking down all the waste from the kitchen that I care to throw at them) and notice that the Sumach suckers which I intend to pot up are now denuded of leaves - but that last time I specifically checked them, the September heat was still so intense out there that I was very happy to get back into the house and some cooling shade.
I guess I am now becoming ever more aware of what all previous generations repeat to those that come after them - and of which we take little notice until this stage in our lives…'time flies by ever more rapidly as one gets older'. There have been some good psychological analyses as to why this is our perception - but the practical effect is to make me realise that every minute of my time each day is ever more precious and not to be wasted.
I realised this morning that I am extremely good at giving advice to others and not taking it myself - a pertinent point in thoughts about use of time! I frequently suggest to writing workshop participants that they 'pencil in' time for personal writing or exercise - but I don't follow my own advice! I don't work outside the home, so I theoretically have much 'free time' in which to do the things that need to be done…but I often find that all that 'free' time means that I am disorganised and casual, not planning my days properly and as a result - wasting time. I need to be firmer with myself and plan my own days more stringently.
There always seems to be something more pressing than 'making time for myself' - but merely putting this point down on paper is making me sit back, take pause and take my own advice; make appointments with myself for those walks through the woods that I was going to take oh so regularly (but never do) - and more regular time slots for personal, journal and creative writing - even if there are three more rooms to vacuum, the shopping to do, batches of food to prepare for the freezer or five more bags of bulbs which absolutely MUST go into the ground before Christmas. I'd be interested to hear how you plan your days when you don't have them already planned for you... and where have I put my diary?!
Always a happy call on my time - making batches of soup for the freezer - this time, Carrot & Sweet Potato.
"There always seems to be something more pressing than 'making time for myself'
I think this is true for many of us, regardless of the specific circumstances of our lives. I know it is true for me. Findingv the right balance, and maintaining that balance, can be a day to day struggle, that's for sure. I don't have any helpful pointers, just acknowledging that you aren't alone in facing this challenge.
Posted by: Boyd | Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at 15:49
Well you've found time to write a blog post, pay attention to changes in the garden, and to make soup. You've noticed the wonderful colours, taken photos and shared them with us. Shame we can't taste the soup, but I doesn't seem like a wasted day to me, Roz!
I sometimes have a go at writing "have done" lists rather than "to do" lists. That way I can at least make time to reflect on all the little things I have done but which I frequently underestimate. Being thankful that I was able to get up, dress myself and make my own breakfast this morning for example!
Better to plant five bulbs and enjoy it, than kill yourself planting five bags! Cilla x 😊
Posted by: Weaversjournal | Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at 17:01
Cilla is exactly right - what a good comment! You do plenty of good things, Roz, for yourself and for others. I have the same time management problem ever since I retired, and Slip into Sloppy Structure. Just keeping up with the care of Autumn Cottage and its gardens would seem like a lot to me, so I am in awe of all you do!
Posted by: Diana Birchall | Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at 12:37