Thursday, January 11, 2018

Priorities in 2018

Here we are almost halfway through January already.  I have been seeing blogs and instagram posts filled with quilting goals and resolutions for the new year.  Lists and lists of wonderful quilty goals.  I have been struggling with my own plans.  I have lists.  Oh my!  Do I have lists!  I ended up feeling rather overwhelmed.

There's the problem.  Quilting was my sanity saver when the kids drove me nuts when they were younger.  It was my happy place where I wasn't overwhelmed, where I could recharge my batteries.  In my world, quilting is not supposed to be overwhelming!

Hoarfrost by Canuck Quilter Designs

I pulled out my winter quilts this week.  Look at Hoarfrost with the pretty snowflakes.  The pretty snowflakes reminded me of the movie Frozen, whose soundtrack played pretty much constantly in the background while I stitched this.  Thinking of that of course led to that ear worm replaying through my head.  That's it! My direction for 2018...


Let It Go!

I'm letting go of the stress.  I still have lists: patterns I want to write or revise, new ideas to pitch to magazines, tutorials I'd love to share (but I have to write them first), marketing chores and ideas, lectures and workshop ideas to develop, quilts to make...  See,  that list of lists is getting to me just typing it out!

I'm taking a deep breath and letting go. I'll tackle the top item on each list and work on it and let the rest of the items go until it's their turn. Fretting about what I'm not getting done isn't getting anything done sooner, so I'm going to focus on one at a time, for the time it takes to get it done.  

Letting go of the stress is also going to require carving out some quilting time away from the business side of quilting.  I'm not shuttering my business or quitting pattern designing, because I really do enjoy those too.  However, I don't need to be working on a pattern whenever I'm not working at the quilt shop.  I shouldn't be sitting in front of the computer every single evening.  Also, some sewing can and should be "just because" with no deadlines or demands attached.   I need to get back quilting being my happy place. And that will make me happier and saner overall, and better able to cope with the rest. I think my family will approve.

Here's the plan for today's playtime

I'm starting right now.  I have an unexpected snow day off today and my first thought was to work on the Starfall pattern that is half written.  However, New Me realizes that time was set aside for that already in my original plans.  This unexpected day is a freebie day, and I am going to work on my RSC butterfly quilt "just because" it is going to make me smile.  And then I'll spend a little extra time in the kitchen making something warm and yummy (don't know what yet).  And I am going to spend time with my daughter, who also has an unexpected snow day in the midst of her high school exams.  And maybe I'll go clean the bathroom because it really does need a bit of attention, but honestly that item is pretty far down today's list!

12 comments:

  1. I really like your plan described in the last paragraph.
    Enjoy the day; I'm sure your family will enjoy the time together with you too! Good hot food for supper always helps too! (I made chili, and I'm heading for a bowl full with some cheese, onion, and Fritos! (The norther has hit our area in the last hour, and it is cold and blowing hard! I'm glad I filled the bird feeders this morning!) ---"Love"

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  2. Go New Me! I think this is a wonderful goal for 2018 and I look forward to the fun quilty posts because somehow those are just the most fun.

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  3. Making quilts and small projects has always been my stress relief valve. Time spent doing something that I enjoy immensely, without deadlines, without pressure. I stopped making lists long ago as the lists just overwhelmed me. I rely on lists and deadlines at work. I admire and applaud your decision to create at a pace that suits you and brings you joy.

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  4. Of all the 2018 lists of goals I have read so far, yours is the best. I love it. I want to let it go too. Where can I sign up, lol. Enjoy your "just because" time. ;^)

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  5. Oh I hear ya on stressing ourselves too much. I decided this year that I won't stress so much on UFO's and just do whatever pleases me that day. If that means starting another new project I will!! Wishing you all the best on your goals.

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  6. Good for you! Have fun with your butterflies :)

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  7. Hope you had fun yesterday, doing whatever, at your own pace!
    Your Hoarfrost quilt is simply gorgeous! ---"Love"

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  8. I'm sure a day "off" will do you good! I have been having the same overwhelming feeling - after I looked at all the things that I need to get done this year. Now I'm sick and "having" to rest some, but I have been doing a little sewing. It's just a bad cold, so I'm sure I'll be back to normal soon. I don't really rest very well.

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  9. Good for you. I know what you mean about losing that happy place feeling sometimes because of commitments... warm food is always good, and always time well spent away from sewing. :-)

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  10. If it's a free day, enjoy every unexpected fun... Sew because you want to, not because you have to. There is more out there to do...

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  11. I always enjoy your posts Joanne and really get what you say here...for years I've been saying I have to rebalance my life between my work (at the quilt shop) and my own needs and this year with 3 (yes 3) grandbabies on the way I finally have the 'excuse' I need to re-prioritise. I like the thought of just dealing with what is on the top of each list - for now - and stepping back a bit. PS Love your Hoarfrost quilt :-)

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