The longer days filled with the warm, bright sunshine have certainly lifted my spirits over the past week but, though I've gained in energy and a more positive outlook on work commitments, I've used the extra time and light to sit outside or walk by the river. My 'to do' list hasn't really been broached.
Through my reading this week ('Time Anxiety' by Chris Guillebeau, see below) I've given myself permission to change my perspective, though. Instead of being ruled by tasks that never seem to diminish and therefore bring little sense of achievement or fulfilment, and in fact heighten tension and pressure, I've reevaluated.
There are thousands of books which promise to teach us skills to better manage our time but Guillebeau urges us to engage fully in our chosen activity without worrying about productivity or deadlines. He tells us to decide what is enough for today, or for the project, and to focus on that without being distracted. He suggests that we pursue time-expansive hobbies such as crafts, baking, gardening. And we should emulate the work patterns of famous writers and artists like Dickens and Picasso who pursued hours of concentrated work but then stepped away completely through long walks.
Watching the coverage of the Boat Race this afternoon, learning about the young people who have dedicated themselves to competing in this extraordinary event, I was once again in awe of their achievement. For months, and years for some of them, they have pursued a simple but gruelling routine of sleep, row, study, row, sleep. And look what satisfaction it has brought them through building lifelong friendships, working as a team and a community, and realising their potential, physically, mentally and emotionally.
I don't plan to engage in elite sport but I'm going to try and keep my 'to do' list in check, at least this coming week.
Thank you for reading.