Energized and Focused
Something happened this week that I've been anticipating for quite some time. I am energized and focused on many exciting creative projects. Finally. I have to confess when I had my RA flare up in the spring, I was sidelined with my knitting and with that my enthusiasm for crafting.
Sure I was still knitting here and there and cranking out the projects. But that spark of excitement was dulled by health challenges and worries. Summertime is my worst season for my joints and I scale back on my knitting. I'm an oddity because the cold weather makes my joints feel fabulous. My doctor chuckles whenever I mention that. He says every single time "oh, you are one of those". Yup.
My enthusiasm starts with a list. Always and forever, a LIST. I get joy seeing my wishful thinking on paper using my favorite pen. That giddy feeling of trying to cross off each task. I wish I could explain it more. But you list makers out there know what I'm talking about.
This week, I stopped paying attention to the news media and social media. I focused on simple personal goals and reviewed my knitting gifts that are still a dream. Something happened, I became productive and through that productivity, utterly satisfied and content.
Living is this day and age, the information that is available on our phones, computers and TV can be somewhat bombarding to the senses. I understand why people "unplug" and retrieve into themselves. How nice to know that I don't have to pack a bag, hop in a car, and go to some cabin in the woods without world connections. I can do all of this by choosing to unplug.
So this week I chose to focus on my personal goals :
I have two sets of mitts to knit by Thanksgiving and some super secret knitting that I cannot mention. All good and exciting.
I completed six continuing education online tests that have been looming over me for about four months. I passed all six! (keeping my certification as a speech language pathologist)
diligently setting aside time to read my many books. The Alexander Hamilton book is quite the compelling read.
In two weeks I'll be seeing my kids and that is one goal that is a long time coming :)
Do you set goals? Have you started any holiday knitting and crafting?
I love lists too. My current goals are focused on writing (trying to write my next book during Nanowrimo), but I'm also making lists about the other things I have to take care of this month.
ReplyDeleteMy hands don't allow a lot of crafting these days (I have artritis, but not RA - it started when I got Chikungunya and I guess it's here to stay), but I think that's because typing a lot is a strain too. I hope to get back to it soon.
I'm glad for you that the cold weather is doing your joints good. Now is the time to knit ;-)
And unplugging is always a good idea. We unplug during most weekends and that's been so great.
I wish you luck on your book writing, I'm impressed!
DeleteI've unplugged this week too and I have to say, I ain't missin' it. I've got several projects I'm wanting to work on. Maybe I can get caught up on work so I can enjoy them this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI am not missing it, and I'm being productive!
DeleteI love lists too Karen. Holiday crafting, you bet that is going on, but it is slow going. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteOh to be a little fly on the wall in your house :)
DeleteI like making lists too. Since my mom became sick in January & passed away in March, I haven't been able to concentrate on my knitting or quilting. I've started projects & ripped them out. Finally, I am nearing the end of a baby sweater, my first completed project in about a year! I went on ravelry and made a list of some small projects to work on and I am actually looking forward to starting something new! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about your mom, I think that takes quite a while to adjust to. My mom died when I was 34 years old and everything felt weird and different. I hope you get into a really good project, small ones might be good!
DeleteAs a fellow list maker, I get it! I'm so glad for your productivity, and the satisfaction and contentment it produced. Contentment is a truly wonderful state to be in!
ReplyDeletecontentment is where it's at.
DeleteI am looking forward to a bit of time with my list notebook today. This week got swallowed up but now it is the long weekend. Happy to hear you are reenergized.
ReplyDeleteI hope when you read this, you have been in that awesome notebook!
DeleteI think it is a very wise decision to unplug from news and social media for awhile. I am thinking of doing the same. (Not counting Instagram in my case, as my feed is all about knitting, beautiful places people post from, and family related themes.) I am a list person too, although I have to be careful with my lists. If I make an unrealistic one then I end up feeling weighted down by not accomplishing everything on it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with instagram! however, I put a time limit on it because I can get on and stay on for quite some time!
DeleteI DO set goals, although rarely do I write them down. They just roll around in my head.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you are feeling better and that your crafting mojo is back. Happy knitting!
I used to let them roll in my head until I forget too many of them, now I write them down.
DeleteMy list making has recently been focused on work related things. Which is good and bad in a variety of ways. Good, in that I can easily see what I am doing - bad in that it is causing much inner reflection on the validity of what I am doing and why. But, this weekend the list making is all about me! Lots of things to get in order! XO
ReplyDeleteit's a balance isn't it? I hope you write down just enough to get by.
DeleteI am a list person, to me there is nothing more satisfying than ticking things off a list. I am easily overwhelmed and struggle if I am stressed to that end I avoid it so Christmas preparation starts really early. I am almost finished my crafty gifts and only have a few gifts left to buy. I can enjoy December, spending quality time with friends and family. I am thrilled that you are catching up with your children soon, there is nothing nicer. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI try to get most of my crafting down so December is enjoying!! I had four pages of lists for the wedding last year. I don't know what I would have done if I lost them :)
DeleteI totally get it. Unplugging and making time for the things you like or need to do is very important. I had to do that back in July. The entire month was busy with things that we needed to get done. I felt energized by having those things done and was happy to come back to blogland... :) Love that color on your mitts! :) Can't wait to see your secret knitting! Congrats on your tests! That's awesome!
ReplyDeleteI keep re remembering to unplug such a weird thing!
DeleteI have one more Christmas sock to finish; I'm halfway through the leg *fist pump*. I got some lovely knitting done while listening to my audiobook last night. That felt good.
ReplyDeletewow!! I am impressed with your sock knitting agenda! that is a fist pump!
DeleteOh, I can definitely relate to that! I like to unplug at least for a day once a week, it clears my mind and it's a great boost for creativity! Lists are my favorite things :) I like reading numerous time management books and using different project management tools! It keeps me focused!
ReplyDeletecleans the mind, like deleting files :) I am reading the Power of Habit, have you read it??
DeleteI love the colour you are using for your fetching mitts. Lovely pattern.
ReplyDeleteThank you Faith!
DeleteI set simple goals and I always make lists. Yesterday my goal was to change some curtains over to winter and try a new craft. Sometimes I make a list of things that I know I will do that day with one or two items that I would like to get to, but may not. It just feels good to cross items off the list. Right now with three jobs and an elderly parent, little of my time is my own, so I make lists to keep me focused on what needs to get done. I know soon I will be making Christmas lists as there has been little to no time to craft any gifts this year. I am so glad you found your crafting mojo again. I have the mojo, but not the time. Summertime is bad for my mom's joints also. The humidity makes them ache more than the cold. Enjoy your crafting and your kids.
ReplyDeleteI hope when Christmas rolls around you get a breather and can make some decadent lists.
DeleteI feel most alive in sun bright cold winter with white snow... I get it! Enjoy this happy knitting season! Wise to unplug!
ReplyDeleteglad I have company in the cold loving weather :)
DeleteThere is nothing better in this world than making a list with your favorite pen, then checking those items off once completed. I might get banned from the knitting world for saying it, but I think checking things off lists may even be more fun than yarn shopping. (Did I really say that???) Congrats on accomplishing so much. Now, go make a new list. :)
ReplyDeleteYou would not get kicked off this blog, I kind of agree with you :)
DeleteIm a finisher by nature, So I sort of set a goal with each cast on. Right now i'm considering frogging. I can't seem to do it though. My father was big on all of us always having goals. Right now A goal is find a book my whole family can read in one week over our Christmas holiday . Fireman only likes dairy type outdoor journals...any ideas?
ReplyDeleteI don't read outdoors stuff but I think my husband read some bryson books and liked them. I think one title is "a walk in the woods". I love that you all are going to read a book over the holiday!!
DeleteI've had a recent kick of motivation with my crafts recently too, which has been a wonderful distraction.:) I have lists for everything! Good luck with your goals, your knits look lovely!
ReplyDeletethank goodness for crafts, right??
DeleteThis post is so positive Karen, I love it! Happy creating!! xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Jane!
Deleteooh, I love that blue yarn, it's lovely! Yes, I'm a list maker too, I get such pleasure crossing off each item! I have to start planning what else I need to make. I ordered my Christmas cards today, so that's one thing off of the list! : )
ReplyDelete