Opportunities and Discernment

A digitally manipulated photograph of foxgloves in my garden. The dragonfly is a digitally manipulated stock photo.

This is an expansion on my last post...you know...the "never enough time" one!

 

There are often so many options and opportunities presenting themselves to me, that I feel paralyzed and overwhelmed when I think about it. I tend to be easily distracted by the multitude of creative projects that I see and I want to try them all!  Fun?...yes, but it also dilutes my focus. This may not be a problem for some but I end up feeling scattered, unfocused and overwhelmed.  The opportunities are all amazing but restrictions on time require clarity.  Clarity of the heart.

This is where discernment has had to kick in.  The evaluation of what's important to me. The paring down of my "want to do's" to my "must do's"...in the sense of what my heart desires.  I've started making lists, prioritizing, crossing off the not-so-important and taking it from 50+ things to 5 or 10.  

 

Clarity requires priorities...and my priorities right now?  

Health and fitness: The older I get, the more time this seems to take!

Spiritual life and personal growth:  This is a moment-by-moment practice of  self responsibility and awareness of life as a series of personal choices.  (That's the simple version!)

Relationship and family: I have an amazing, husband whose company I thoroughly enjoy so it's no hardship to be with this man!  I'm fortunate to have family living in the same small town that I do and I value my close proximity to them. I also have family living much further away and it's more difficult but still possible, to stay connected) 

Friendships: Friendships will often ebb and flow but those that nourish and enrich are important and I gratefully give my time and energy to nurture these connections.

Creative life:  Focusing now on just one or two projects at a time.  My creative goals (writing, painting, card design and creating a new website) never get any closer to completion when my energy is scattered.  My new found enjoyment of knitting isn't exactly a goal, but more of a zen activity that relaxes me...the relaxation is the goal!

Travel:  At this time in my life, travel is a major focus for me and I'm planning several trips for this fall and winter.

I can't really prioritize this list with a 1, 2, 3 value.  At different times, different things rise to the top for attention but just being conscious of my priorities, observant to opportunities and aware of the choices of my heart, is bringing me more clarity and peace.

 

Sending hugs and blowing kisses to all who stop by!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[tanna]

I could just pick up your list as my own and substitute painting in my creative goal, Kate. And, you said it so well... about the scattered feeling. There IS so much. And, time seems to run out. One of my favorite things Soon Warren said at her class was, "You can't get to water if you dig too many wells." That resonated with me... I have lots of little holes dug... no water. Blessings and hugs to you ~ tanna

[olivia]

I loved this post, kate. I think we all have to do this. Don't you wonder about people who get bored? I cannot imagine being bored in this life! My first two priorities are the same as yours. I almost think they have to be in order to be a well person with a strong foundation. The other priorities of life can then be based on this. Sending you much love, xoO

[martie]

Oh my goodness, Kate! I think you might have been looking at my life I can so relate to your phrase "dilutes my focus". Your list is beautiful and one that probably one that many of us could adapt. Take care and enjoy life!!

[tanna]

Dearest Kate, thank you so much for your kind words...

LOVE that you are in a knitting group... most all knitters I know are such uplifting souls (an occasional bad apple... LOL). I hope you enjoy your Shade Loving Shawl... there is something magical about being wrapped in color and texture and handwork... ;) I think your yarn sounds perfect! blessings and hugs ~ tanna