I am distracted. My girls are graduating next month. And it’s spring in oh-so-gorgeous Austin.
And then there’s this teensy tiny other thing.
I have a deadline on a something I’m writing. It feels a lot like when I was in college and had an upcoming final. Do you remember how much stuff you accomplished the week before finals? Stuff that had nothing to do with studying for finals? Yes. That is me.
So I have been outside in my yard, of all things. Super duper industrious in the garden.
For example, I had to straighten this leaning pig. That took about 1.2 minutes.
And this sweet little impatiens needed watering. That took longer because I had to roll the hose back and there was a kink in it. Took over 5 minutes.
The new granite walk way by these cosmos needed attention. Spent probably 15 minutes moving mulch and granite to the proper place.
And then this fern … it’s pretty but I’m not sure it’s going to do well in this planter. So I stood and wondered about it for 7 whole minutes ~ mentally carrying it from one place to another all over my yard. I couldn’t decide what to do, so I left it there. I’ll get back to it. I didn’t want to spend all day on that one little fern because I had so much more to do. Outside things that kept me from my writing.
Like all my geraniums. I freely confessed that I will spend a month’s worth of grocery money on geraniums. They are all over my garden begging loudly for love and water. I had to oblige. That took nearly an hour.
Of course, I was distracted by cutie toot things like this … look how the green mossy stuff (is there a name for that?) collects on the curves in the rabbit. I love that. So I stood and stared at it for 54 seconds. And then I rushed inside to get my camera. So I could take pictures of my garden.
Then I was so tired, I sat down. Right.next.to.the.lavender.
Oh, gracious. It smelled so good that I pinched it off and rubbed it in between my fingers. Smelled that clean deliciousness for quite a while. And while I sat, I started wondering
… what do you do when you’re supposed to be studying for finals, writing a paper or whatever?
I’m just curious. Really. It’s not like I’m looking for another distraction or anything.
Love Your Life
When I was in law school I had the most organized Tupperware cabinet there was. I would literally stop, right in the very middle of something and head to the kitchen. I was obsessed with that cabinet being organized. Now… I waste time online shopping, facebook, looking for new recipes, sweeping the kitchen… its endless.
I used to watch a lot of TV and mindlessly eat. Nowadays, I catch myself daydreaming when I am pressed to finish an important task. I imagine my future husband, I try to picture his face. I get snapped back to reality rather quickly and then remember to pray for God to provide a boyfriend first. I think about work when I am home, and home while I am at work. I wonder if my dogs really know how much I love them. etc.etc.etc. Usually all of this goes hand-in-hand with resting my eyes in the palms of my hands to block out all external stimulus (light, noise, etc.)
When I find myself in these moments, I take a little walk (around the house at home, or around the building at work) and then I re-center my thoughts and get back to work.
HOWEVER, I have a super short attention span, so I always push through an impending deadline by breaking it up into smaller deadlines along the way AND rewarding myself with chocolate when I finish each segment.
You can do it Susie! Think about the peace you’ll have when it’s done!
oh, btw, LOVE the little pots :)
Ha! ROFL! I do the EXACT same thing, of course! Spend/waste time, no never a waste, in my garden enjoying all the little subtle nuances it has to offer. They change daily and that’s what I love about it!
I’d rather take care of business first, that way when I’m in the garden or sewing I have nothing pressing to do afterwards. I can sit back and enjoy without – “Oh, I have to hurry!” Susie, just get it done. I think you would enjoy the garden a whole lot more. I know you can do it! Go – Susie – Go!!
Thanks so much!!