Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Sneak Peek at 2 10x10s - Feeling Adequate

As a mother and business owner, I find the demands can be overwhelming and often wonder just how much I am “supposed” to accomplish in one day – in order to make myself feel that I’ve done enough.

Frequently, as the evening closes, no matter how long the day has been I feel inadequacy peeking in – should’ve done this, can’t believe I didn’t finish that…

The night before last, as I was painting I had a thought – if I write down all that I did each day before ending the night, that will probably help me to feel adequate. So I did. And as I composed my big long list of that day’s accomplishments, I did feel better and almost didn’t need my aromatherapy to fall asleep that night :)

Just for kicks, and because I know a large percentage of my readers are mothers in nearly the same place as me, I thought I’d record my list:

Played Bouncy Balls (that was fun!)
Organized the coupon drawer
Vacuumed all of downstairs twice
Took down the Christmas Tree (hence all of the vacuuming!)
Baked a loaf of bread
Organized the pantry and cleaned the shelves
Played pirate festival with the boys
Finished packing client gifts
Finished writing Holiday Cards
Cleaned the fridge
Gave the boys a relaxing, unhurried bath
Edited some websites, quickly
Played jacks with the boys
Prepared and cleaned-up-after three meals and bedtime snack
Packed Etsy orders
Went on a skateboarding walk with the boys
Folded two loads of laundry
Played Puppy BINGO
Read four bedtime stories
Tucked in two exhausted loves
Cleaned two bathrooms
1 hour marketing on the computer after the kids were asleep
1 hour painting after the boys were asleep
Started two new paintings
Worked on 4 paintings
Edited all Etsy print listings (organized into sections)
And more that I am forgetting, I’m sure


Does this look familiar to you? Haven’t you always wanted to write down all that you did in one day (and be tempted to show it to your husband?) ha ha!

I am now reading a book titled “Slowing Down to the Speed of Life” by Richard Carlsen and Joseph Bailey – it’s helping me to realize that getting more done will not make us feel more satisfied… I’ll let you know more as I get further into it. It is a good read so far, and a great deal at 50 cents from the Library bookstore!


I’m working on two new 10x10s – the one on the right will be finished then released tomorrow morning – the tree one I love and will come later when it’s finished.

Have a wonderful evening!
Love & Sincerely, Katie

7 comments:

  1. Awesome, awesome Katie! First off, congratulations for writing everything down so you can see that you have accomplished a lot in your day. Its o.k. if the list isn't long, it is the quality of what is on the list that is most important.

    That book sounds like just the ticket! You are as slavishly hard-working as I have a tendency to be. And, what I have found is that it is most important to take care of myself and my relationships first (including with myself, and friends, etc.) Me first. (Took me having a chronic illness to figure that out ... and, I figured it out.) Does that mean I don't work myself into the ground (or close to it) any more? No. And, I pay much closer attention, notice when I'm doing that and sloooow down. Me time gets added back on the list.

    You are awesome and wonderful and you don't have to be superwoman. You are terrific no matter how much you do or do not churn out in a day.

    May you have plenty of peace, joy and love to spare now and throughout 2010! :o)

    Amy

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  2. Oops, to be clear - your list is VERY long! LOL! I simply meant that in the future, your list doesn't have to be that long to mean you have accomplished something good in your day. :o)

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  3. Dear Amy,
    thank you - you are very right, and I think I'm going to succeed at making quality vs quantity decisions - today I took the time to read for awhile while the kids played (which in the past has been UNHEARD of!) staying very conscious of their little voices and the mood of their play - and tonite I'm cooking again! So exciting.

    Thank you, Amy, it has been so nice communicating with you over the web - when I see you at the next opening (Maybe 6th Street Gallery on the 8th 5-9pm) I owe you a big hug :)
    Sincerely,
    Katie

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  4. Awww, that would be wonderful! And, darn it! I have my own opening that night down in Portland, same time frame. I sadly won't be there for the opening.

    We could ... just as a wild idea ... ;o) ... work out time for coffee, or something like that. I know you are slammin' busy (me too!) and, sometimes you just make time for stuff like that. (Or not, I'm not attached to it - whatever works for you! :o) ) Just a thought ...

    Either way, I hope to see you soon!

    All my best,

    Amy

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  5. No, I'm not so slammin' busy, I make time for the important stuff. I'd love to - starting next week after my big boy goes back to school - on a Monday or Thursday morning?
    :) Katie

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  6. I discovered your blog tonight while looking for inspirational quotes about conscious parenting. What breathtaking art you have... my only problem is deciding what to buy!

    I love your blog as well and am adding it to my blogroll. Your images definitely portray what's sacred between mother and child. Thank you for sharing these gorgeous portraits and inspiring words.

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  7. Thank you Darlene, how sweet of you to take the time to write! I hope you find good quotes, here is a good place to get info: http://greatparentingpractices.com/
    enjoy! I look forward to working with you :)
    Thank you again,
    Sincerely,
    Katie

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Thank you for your comment!
Sincerely,
Katie m. Berggren
http://www.kmberggren.com