When I look at my calendar and task list, there doesn’t appear to be any “moments in between.” It’s a list of actions to take. And because not all the actions happen on the day to which I’ve assigned them, arrows are drawn to the next day, and the day after that, and the day after that. I’m half convinced that it’s not my management of time or energy that needs work, but the length of time and amount of energy needed to complete the actions.
In the moments when I pause in my work and look over the list of tasks, or to save/send/file what I just completed, or before a client logs in, there is space for a breath. During the inhale and exhale, my mind isn’t cluttered with thoughts. My body relaxes. I cross the item off my list, glance out the window to watch the birds peck in the grass, land on the block wall, or hover near the feeder. Nature has its own effect on the mind and body.
I sent out my monthly newsletter this week. In the moments after I checked each of my offerings to my subscribers, I felt a brush of accomplishment. I reminded myself that the list of tasks and the constant movement from one thing to another is worth the value I offer my readers. That, too, deserves a moment, a breath, an acknowledgment.
The four projects I plan to publish this year are front and center on my desk. “Alphabet City” will be published next week. More than half of My Voice, Volume 2 has been edited. I know how I want to arrange the pieces and how many more I want to include. I finished the first lesson in the math workbook, so I have an idea how long it will take to complete the rest, the page count, and new material vs. material already there. Last, the holiday short story. I know the steps I want to take to get into it and when I need it done. In between these projects, I notice the moments. Do you pause to reflect on what you’ve done the past hour or day? Do you recognize the moments in between tasks to be done?
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