Last week I wrapped up one client project, and the majority of work on another client project. With some supportive coaching from friends and Intern, I’m slowly coming into the realization that every week does not have to be packed with productivity and projects. My brain and body need a rest, and I’ve been struggling to allow myself this break. It has been a busy year/a good year/an exciting/trying and stressful year. I’ve been laying awake at nights, rethinking decisions and worrying about plans, and feeling frustrated with myself on days that I haven’t fully exhausted every hour with a project, a task, or a check off my to-do list. Even on productive days I find myself feeling like I should have added more to the day. I know that I can’t possibly be productive without down time, but how can I relax when the pressure to perform seems so hard to escape? Learning to slow down seems to be just as important as managing my time productively during busy work periods.
I’ve tried to use this sudden shift in the weather to my advantage, to slow down and do a bit more cooking. I’ve spent more time looking for new recipes or cooking techniques in an effort to slow my body and brain, and focus on meaningful, patient work. We joined a new CSA, (but really, a CSF) one that specializes in local and sustainably caught seafood. I know, I just said I need to do less, but sometimes doing less requires a tiny bit more effort. We’re two weeks into our delivery schedule with SirenSeaSA, and so far we’ve enjoyed black gill rockfish and albacore loin, both were delicious and easy to prepare. We’ve also made a new goal to eliminate TV and all devices from our evening routine for the next week or weeks. Somehow phones and ipads and endless evening TV watching has crept up in our lives, and now that the debates are over, its time to back away from the screen. My month(s) of twitching-eye syndrome must come to an end.
Before work picks up again, my mom is flying in to San Francisco for a visit this week. We have some relaxation planned: good meals, wine country and a ferry ride. We’re going to do, without doing too much, or at least we’re going to try our best not to exhaust ourselves with plan piled on top of plan.
