There is something about the summer that makes me want to try all the new things – actually, maybe there is just something about life that makes me crave new knowledge. I’ve already started multiple projects this summer and they are all over the place – homemade ice cream making, Oak + Oats rebrand and new packaging offerings, and hand lettering….and those are just the ones I have already started!
The other day Bruce and I were on a walk around the block and I was telling him how my head is so full of ideas that I don’t know what to do or where to start. It is like a little firecrackers going off in my head and I am just trying to funnel them all into a beautiful and organized campfire.
I have a hard time starting one thing and letting other things wait their turn. I think it is this crazy pressure I feel to do all the things and do them all well. I mean, I have all these dreams and ideas – they have to mean something right?!
No, well yes but no. No I don’t need to do everything at once. No, running around like a chicken with my head cut off will not turn out pretty no matter how much movement I accomplish. Bruce showed me this commercial spoof during work this week and one line really stuck out – “Why be laser focused on just one thing, when you can be regular focused on 216?” They are obviously being sarcastic but that is totally my mind set.
Oh, man. How convicting. But seriously, how do you focus your attention when there is so much else going on? I don’t have answers today, no “5 ways to focus and get things done” tips – just me in the middle of life. In the middle of literally working two full time jobs and exploding with ideas.
I will say that some days I am better than others. The days that I am better usually start with a good dose of morning quiet times and grace. I’ve also been trying to give myself computer breaks and learn things just for fun (like this hand lettering class.) It is hard for me to not jump directly to perfection or figuring out how to hand-letter best so my Instagram followers increase (which can totally overwhelm me sometimes #confession.)
Let’s learn new things to just try them. To play around with life and discover new things. Let’s do things that may not have monetary gain. Let’s do things to just enjoy, celebrate, and discover. Like we did when we were kids. And then let’s hang up our art and not be afraid of losing followers or disappointing others. Let’s be free, brave, and bold.
Let’s give ourselves a break and take a good look at our priorities. Let’s sleep at night, spend time with Jesus so He can fill our Spirits, and let go of perfectionism.
And let’s try new things.
Anyone else on the stress/ idea overload/ struggle bus with me? What is heavy on your heart these days? How do you slow down and take things off your list? (I need all the advice I can get ๐ )
I feel you! I just remember that Micheangelo said at 87: I'm still learning. ๐
It's funny, because I recently wrote a post about slowing down on my blog ๐ I was feeling pretty overwhelmed by my blog, because I wanted to rush, do all the things, constantly write like it was my full-time job. It isn't (yet) and I must face it. I had to step back to actually find my passion again.
After my graduation last March, I gifted myself with a hand-lettering class (not the same you're taking) and I spent hours away from my laptop just doodling around. It was so good!
Good luck with your slowing down process and lettering practice, Elizabeth!
Yes, and amen. I want to do all the things (and sometimes eat all the things). I have so many projects and things I want to do. I feel tired just thinking about it all. And pressure too – pressure that sometimes turns what should be a fun experience into a stress. Turns a learning experience into a pursuit of perfection and robs it of the joy of new adventures.
Unfortunately my blog is usually the thing that I let slip through the cracks…. I have so many posts I want to write, and I would love to turn into something profitable, but I always decide to do something (sometimes that something is laundry and vacuuming up dog hair… it has to be done sometime) rather than write about something.
Thanks for your honesty. It's why this is one of my favorite blogs to follow.
Yes! Yes! Yes!! I have a million ideas going on in my head and I can't seem to decide which path to take. I want to start a party planning business but then I don't because I am really passionate about marriages and I think God is calling my husband and I in that direction but I have no idea what that looks like and Jake works 85 hours a week so there is that. I want to grow my blog. I want to empower women. I want to see my celebration box succeed. I want to change the world. AHHHHHHH!!!
I am right there with you sister! Thanks for the encouragement today! I needed so desperately to be reminded…
Yes, totally with you! I have all sorts of ideas and things that I want to do and sometimes I have so many ideas I don't know which one to start so I don't start any. Being on a the quarter system here it still doesn't feel like summer has started, so hopefully soon I'll start some of my ideas! Hope you're enjoying the handlettering class!
Teach me how to letter! I've been dying to learn! ๐
I have the WORST handwriting and just hate seeing anything I've drawn or written by hand like this. I really need to take a course, because my confidence is in the pits haha
Take this course! It is so fun and jenny is so wonderful! http://www.maiedae.com/e-courses/
hahah! I am still learning! I am loving Jenny's class! http://www.maiedae.com/e-courses/
Thanks for this post! I can totally relate to this feeling and struggle. Sometimes I just want to throw my hands up and just do nothing when Im feeling overwhelmed but Im learning grace and how to do one thing and one day at a time ๐
I totally relate. I have tons of ideas and never know which to focus onโฆ there always seems like there's more to get done. I've found that working myself ragged doesn't help my creativity or productivity though so slowing down and giving myself a few quiet minutes here and there to have a cup of tea, prayer/time with God, or just closing my eyes for 5 minutes and breathing deeply really help. Also, asking God to help form my to do list leaves me less stressed (it doesn't magically get everything done though!) Just know you aren't alone!
I was also thinking of taking the online handlettering course, I hope I will catch some time for that. Goodluck with your learning! I am sure you'll rock it!
Girl. I totally feel ya. I constantly have a million different things and ideas flying through my mind. Like those ten blog posts I've been meaning to write and how I've been wanting to repot my succulents for about three months and then there's also the summer line of prints I've been wanting to design for my etsy shop and oh right, I'm getting married in three months and have a whole lot of DIY-ing to do….so basically, can I just quit my job for the summer? ๐
For real! I am glad I am not the only one – but even more so I pray that we find rest in a world that says go, go,go!
You totally should! I am loving it!
I totally feel this feeling all the time. It's been a journey to learn to focus on one thing at a time (or maybe a manageable handful of things at a time.)
Yes! I am finding that I need to pursue Jesus first and let other things fall into place!
Yes! Jesus. When I make Him a priority I tend to see my to-do list with healthier eyes! Thanks for reaching out and leaving such an encouraging post! It helps to know I am not alone!
Yes! Grace. It feels so Sunday School but Jesus really is the answer! It is so good to know I am not alone and to know we can encourage and uplift each other!