Wednesday 2 October 2013

between jobs


Seated Woman with Wristwatch
Pablo Picasso (1932)


It is the first time for many years that I have time without responsibilities and I am out of practice. How do you structure a day? This may seem an odd question if you have children at home or care for elderly relatives - but it is something that I am trying to work out from scratch. I started by writing a timetable for each day because that is what I did at work and filled the hours with chores. You will not be surprised to hear that I quickly discovered that this was not the way to self fulfillment and happiness. It is a very short time - only a month until I start my new job - and I can't waste a moment. The list of things I want to do is long and I must learn to do the chores as quickly as possible and enjoy the rest of the day without guilt. I may not have responsibility for anyone else but I do have a responsibility to myself.

20 comments:

  1. A friend of mine went through something like this when she quit her job, and it took her a bit to settle into her new routine. You'll get it. And I'm so glad you're taking some time for yourself! Have a wonderful and relaxing month!

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    1. It is so long since I had a complete day to myself let alone a month (except cooking for MrM!).

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  2. #1 on your list: No guilt. Rejoice and be glad with what gets done, felt, seen, heard, tasted.
    Give yourself gold stars.
    xo

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    1. I thought it would be easy to relax but it is hard work :(

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  3. You are so right: it is impossible to waste a moment although you phrased and possibly meant it a bit differently. Could: 'every mindful chore leads to contentment' work for you? cath

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    1. I have always had to ration my spare time so carefully - it is a hard habit to break. I will report back.

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  4. Do NOT fill your day with chores!
    Read that book. Be a tourist in your own area. Breathe. You'll love every minute.
    Corinne x

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    1. Breathe. Yes, I think I need to start with that and then everything else will fall into place.

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  5. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with this precious month. I'm sure it will be magnificent.

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    1. 'Magnificent' is setting the bar too high. I will be happy with 'Relaxed'.



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  6. Allot the first hour of the day to anything urgent, important or that Will nag at you if it isn't done, and spend the rest of the day exactly as the mood, the weather, or inspiration takes you. That month Will go all too quickly!

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    1. That is good advice which I have already used.

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  7. I have realised that it takes me so long to get into the swing of a new routine that if the time is short, say a month, that I have never got used to it before that new routine is replaced by something else. Ok, so now I'm confusing myself, but I hope you get what I mean. Go with the flow, do what you can and try to enjoy some space in amongst that all at sea feeling!
    It took me 5 years to get used to having a child and by that time she was at school so I'm probably not the best person to listen to.
    Enjoy......I look forward to hearing how you manage.
    Ali whale

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    1. I'm having anxiety issues about wasting the time. I need to remember that I am supposed to be relaxing. Relax. Breathe. Etcetera. It is all much harder than I expected.

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  8. Replies
    1. Pasta! Wine! Gelateria!

      Do Not Tempt Me.

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  9. Personally, I'd ditch the chores - days seem much more fun that way!

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  10. I have been trying to find my routine for the last five years...

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