Gratituesday 3.27.18 - I'm Working!

I started the Artist's Way at the beginning of December and I'm currently on Week 10. Yes, I "should" already be done. Don't judge. This week is all about recognizing and eliminating toxic patterns. When I saw the section entitled, "Workaholism" I got nervous.

As a freelancer, I don't have regular hours. While I have been better about saying not or not scheduling counseling sessions after 7:30PM, it's a work in progress. Pun intended. Julia Cameron writes in The Artist's Way, “Workaholism still receives a great deal of support in our society. The phrase ‘I’m working’ has a certain unassailable air of goodness and duty to it. The truth is, we are very often working to avoid ourselves, our spouses, our real feelings.” That quote rang particularly true with me, so I shared it on social media so I would read it again and offer it to others that may need to hear it. Responding with "I'm Working" to a social invitation or family event is totally acceptable. However, it is more important than time with friends or family? Since I have a flexible schedule there's a good chance I could put more protection around personal time. Here's to being able to do that. In the meantime, here are my weekly lists.

GRATITUDES

1. Hot coffee & red wine

2. Lavender & Ho Wood essential oils - for me AND for last Friday's wedding couple!

3. Working with truly amazing couples

4. Feeling better and my health in general

5. The library

CELEBRATIONS

1. Return to daily Spanish lessons

2. Students in my yoga classes

3. Securing the first couple for my Pre-marital Counseling group workshop

4. Time for play and self-care yesterday

5. Starting to clean my closet of the bags of clothes to donate

DESIRES

1. A home I love

2. A date - come on, I'm a catch!

3. To finish a draft of the first chapter of my book by the end of the week

4. A stronger friend circle

5. Stronger time management so I can be more productive and be better about taking breaks

Okay, folks that's it. Feel free to comment on my lists or BE BOLD and add your own. Here's to better work/life balance and more importantly to a fulfilling week!