I am a bit overwhelmed today. I am blown away that August is now over, and I have only 6-7 more weeks to get ready for the fall craft shows. That might seem like a lot, but from my point of view, which includes a seven month pregnant belly with a very active little guy inside and a very active 3 year old boy bouncing around me on the outside, I am feeling unsure at my ability to get everything finished in time. What happens to me in times like these is that my creative process morphs into something that makes me look downright certifiably dysfunctional, think ADHD meet Schitsophrenia and you've got me right now. I currently have 8 different projects in process, and I buzz from each to each like a maniac whenever I can steal an hour away in my craft room alone.
I am not condoning this behavior. Even though I am loving it, it's not healthy, and it's totally exhausting, but it has always been my norm for meeting deadlines. I am the work slowly (or not at all) until it's almost too late and then cram into overdrive for the last stretch before something is due, type of girl. Deadlines motivate me, but only when they are looming too close for comfort. Any of you do this in your own life processes? I know I'm not the only crazy crammer around here.
As I lay down on my pillow last night, body exhausted, and trying desperately to shut my head off from all the swirling thoughts and ideas of things I still need to finish, I made a decision to be more intentional with my time, and if needed, I will cut back on my expectations for the shows to allow that to happen. I desperately need some down time in my day, and right now between mothering/ household stuff/ and art time, it's just not happening. My art time is usually my downtime, but not when I am in craft show production mode. Then, while still really enjoyable and stimulating, it drains my energy just as much as my other roles during the day.
So here I go, day one of starting fresh, taking one project at a time and making a non-negotiable stop time, where I have to put down the paints and walk away and decompress. Do you need to practice the art of slowing in your day? Or do you have a particular process that helps you stay balanced? What does decompressing look like for you?
*all pics are from my art room, just a few of my latest partially completed projects.
XO, HARMONY
