I have always loved the gentle yet profound wisdom
of Calvin and Hobbes . . .
Our younger son and I talk about being mindful often
since it is a core element of his wellness plan
along with yoga, exercise, and focused meditation.
It is time for me to apply those conversations
to my own daily activities.
This past year I allowed myself to become scattered.
Very, very scattered.
I was too easily distracted by all the bright shiny objects
other quilters shared on their blogs and IG feeds.
I let myself dive in willy-nilly
without really thinking things through
and I now have far too many projects started.
So . . .
I have literally written this on a sticky note
and taped it to the wall in front of my sewing machine
as a constant reminder to pause before I leap.
Several years ago I had the phrase
JUST BECAUSE I CAN DOESN'T MEAN I SHOULD
taped to that same spot on the wall.
It helped so I know this new sticky note will, too.
I've also added the word in my sidebar
so I'll see it each time I sit down to write a new post.
Have you chosen a guiding word for 2018?
* * *
And a quick side note for those who
have been following me on Facebook -
after considerable thought,
I have deactivated my FB account.
One less life weed to deal with.
I will absolutely continue to blog here
and will also continue to share photos
on my Instagram feed.
(do an IG search for Quiltdivajulie)
Quiltdivajulie
-----------------------------------------------
"If I am centered, then I can reach out to what's happening on the circumference. The ideal is to not lose touch with the centre." Melanie Circle
13 comments:
My phrase for the year is: The time is now. My purpose with this phrase is to push me over the obstacle that procrastination often is.
Excellent post!
Wisdom. I need wisdom. And discernment to evaluate where I am and where I should be going. I have things I have wanted to make for years and don't get to them. Why? What is needed to change? I have a lot of thinking to do before the new year.
Thanks for choosing FB as your "life weed" to dispose of. I would have been heartbroken if you had chosen to stop blogging!!
“Just because I can (buy fabric, notions and other quilty stuff) doesn’t mean I should”! I inserted the quilt items into your saying to remind myself to stop buying! I will again try to widdle my ufo project list down and use what I have. Being more mindful with my hobby is a great reminder- Thank you!
loved this post and the quote at the bottom
Mama Bear
Oh this is so true!! Everyone plans so far ahead that they forgot the moment! At our Christmas dinner, someone asked my kid about when he was leaving, and it really put me in a slump.... I just want to enjoy the moment... thanks for sharing!!!
Oh Julie, Julie such a fantastic post today from you!! I can agree with all you have said, especially being mindful, this was brought to y attention a number of years ago by a psychologist treating me for chronic plain and PTSD. I find it works - if I remember to do it.Scattered thoughts - certainly I have these - and your thoughts on distractions from the wonders on blogs and IG feeds. I have yet to formulate a word for next year, I suspect I may have a few!!
So interesting reading through the Lifeweeds link! Thanks for sharing it. Sometimes I have chosen a word in regards to quilting but not always. And I totally get what you mean by feeling scattered. I did a little better last year because I had a serious finish-it-up sort of list, but it's hard to settle into the true priorities without putting some thought and consideration into it!
Great post, interesting link and a good prompt for the rest of us to consider our plans rather than just plunging in. Thanks, Julie.
LOL, this is so funny, because I was going to say exactly the same thing about mindfulness in a couple of days. Your "just because I can" advice is also something I frequently say. I can't say I'll be putting the brakes on the willy nilly yet, though! I think redirect will be my strategy.
The start of the new year is so fun, isn't it? Clean slate, open possibilities. :D
I think "today" is as important as "mindful." I do love seeing everyone's quilts but even more I enjoy reading about their process, their decisions. I deactivated Facebook almost two years ago and have much more time. Recently I read how apps and other online sites are set up to encourage you to check back more often. What a waste of my time. I've decided to read blogs instead. I occasionally check IG but am finding it more like its parent, Facebook, every day. I didn't get rid of one to let another overtake my life.
Enjoyed your post today. Interesting thought about what things are my life weeds.
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