In the past couple of months I have been in full-blown getting shit done mode! My main aim was to function and to tick off my to-do list. I have cut back on everything else in my life. I only check in here once a week anymore. My camera gathers dust. I am a shit friend. I never get in touch with anyone anymore, I cancel plans and when I show up I am not really present.
Lately I though a lot about the doing things vs getting things done approach. And though I know this approach usually targets a more goal oriented and effective way of working it totally applies to what I need in my life right now. With a twist.
I am so over seeing everything in my life as a task I have to get done. It’s not enjoyable. Life shouldn’t be just a to-do list. There is more to life than just getting things done. But we are all grown adults and as much as I wish that wouldn’t entail a whole bunch of responsabilities there are things that have to happen. Sadly that’s not negotiable.
So at the moment I do the second best thing I can do. My ultimate best thing is to fantasize about various exit strategies. I still get to quit things. As I try to get rid of the ‘getting things done mentality’ in favor of a ‘doing things’ approach. Finally I feel like I can breath again.
So instead of focusing on the end result I decided to enjoy the process a bit more. Slowing down and being happy with the little things. Everything I am doing, I chose to do at some point after all. So there should be happy and enjoyable moments in everything I do. So this week I am on a mission to completely dismiss showing you what I got done I favor of what I did.
Psssst I share a secret with you. It’s still the same things because it’s all in my brain….the place where happiness comes from!
- I went on a couple of coffee shop work dates and these were my best and most peaceful moments last week. I finally finished trying all their muffins and most surprisingly the one I like best is their Walnut Muffin. Usually I am not that much into walnuts.
- Going to Crossfit has become so vital to my well-being over the last few months. I was very happy that I went there three times last week. My Tuesday and Thursday morning classes are non-negotiable now and I squeezed in another class on Friday evening. It makes me happy and I love hanging out with people I don’t have to talk much about work with.
- Stefan and I spent a lot of time last week and I loved it. He cooked for me on multiple occasions and we just hung out together and talked until I fell asleep on the couch before 10 pm on several evenings.
- We also visited my aunt for coffee and cake (my birthday present from her). People my aunt is the best baker in the world. And her apple cinnamon cake with rum raisins is to die for! Top it with a dollop of whipped cream and you are ready to die and wake up in foodie heaven.
- On Saturday (not a good idea) we went to IKEA and bought a few things for the new bathrooms. We also spent a lot of time cleaning again last week. Strangely I really enjoy it. Maybe it’s one of these ‘declutter your life in order to get rid of the chaos in your brain’ thing.
- Thesis work was fun because I am making good progress. Less than 6 months to go now. It’s still a long way.
- Our mint plant sparked the idea of having Mojitos on Saturday. So I took advantage and spent 20 min with my camera. I also forced Stefan to play hand model again. That made me really happy. Maybe it was also the Mojito, you never know…
I am linking up with Meg today. Actually she and this link up are the only reasons I haven’t quit blogging altogether by now. Also I want to mention that this post was somehow inspired by Cora. It was either one of her posts or one of her comments that sparked that inner discussion I had with myself. I am sorry that I forgot but I have Swiss-cheese-brain for non-thesis related things.
So the things I would like to do today include but are not limited to giving the car a vacuum, writing a few pages of the chapter I am currently working on and eating potatos with eggs.
I like your viewpoint and I’m a big fan of doing things, especially eating potatoes and Swiss cheese.
Stefan makes an excellent hand model and a mean dinner. I want him to cook for me too. The Hubby and I were just talking this morning about going to see you two in Germany. I’m really hoping we can make it happen in 2018. He should have vacation time by then and Ave will be a better traveler.
Have I told you I really enjoy putting furniture together? And mojitos but you knew about the latter.
Lately the WIR is the only reason I keep blogging too. Ha!
Today I’m hoping to go to the gym and do some yard work. Lofty goals, but the Hubby is off today so they could happen.
Not the worst things you can do!
When you guys come visit he will definitely cook for you 🙂 It would be awesome to have you here. Whenever you can make it you are always welcome! Better sooner rather than later!
Haha maybe I should have paired the two. I) think putting that thing together with a Mojito would have been more interesting.
I think if I stopped bloggoÃng now I wouldn’t start again. And I am not ready to give it up completely. Also I feel like it’s a good way to keep in touch with myself as well as with my friends. I don’t want to miss that!
Eh – you are the one constantly inspiring me… so it goes both ways. Its funny how in my last few weeks the WIR is really the only post I’ve had the desire/will/ability to post. What I love about it is, even though it is “to do list” and “achievement” oriented on the outside, it actually helps us (if we choose) change that perception on “doing things.” I love your current perception and I do believe it really is all a matter of how we choose to think. Aka – its all in our brains. That being said I still wish I was much less “do do do” oriented. I’ll take a big leaf from your book this week and work on this a bit more. Especially in this transition time as I know I will be trying to make myself inSANE.
Congrats on finishing the muffin venture. If I could have one goal it would be to try all the muffins in every cool Toronto cafe. Ha. And my god that apple cake!!
Haha but you’re pumping the posts out now! I have saved them all to catch up hopefully later tonight or tomorrow.
Yes definitely all in the thinking. I also feel like I value my time more and I am less stressed. And not at all do I get less things done. But I am in a better mood. Win and win 🙂
Hope you’re getting from your transition time what you need right now.
Haha yes it was nice to finish the Muffin quest but sadly their other baked goods are not that appealing and I am kinda over Muffins now ;-P
You are spot on lady! Sometimes we need to check in with ourselves and realise that yes we have adult responsibilities, but so many moments of joy and happiness in our lives should not be viewed as a task to check off on our to do lists!
I’m super happy that crossfit is bringing you joy right now – it’s the same for me. Even though I’m not anywhere near my best right now, it brings me so much joy just moving and being surrounded by my CrossFit friends.
I have just finished reading Sarah Knights first book – did you read that one? Is the second one worth a read?
It’s a sad thought letting life become just that, right?
Exactly! Like today. Everything felt heavy today and I was far from my best form but I had fun. Afterwards at least, when the dizzyness had passed ;-P
Urgh to be honest I haven’t read that much. It overwhelmed me a bit. But I am trying to read a few pages every day now. I can’t say yes or no at the moment. How did you like the first one?
The first book was ok. I feel like it has all been said before to be honest – same info just with fuck written a lot! I didn’t really learn anything new but it’s always refreshing to read something that agrees with your way of thinking. Probably won’t rush to read the one you have then!