This is a journal page I created during my “Spring Cleaning” visual journaling workshop that I taught in my studio this past spring.
I have been so busy really over the past year or so, that I’m not making time for my personal art work, whether it’s working in my journal, or taking photos. When I get busy this self-care always go by the wayside, along with just writing (AKA morning pages). These things are very important to me, yet I somehow am not making time for them. I’m feeling not as balanced as I used to, and also more stressed. I think it also makes it harder since I am an artist for a living, so even though I’m always doing “creative” things, they aren’t for myself.
I’m sure not doing art has a big part of not feeling balanced. This is something I’ve been trying to figure out for years! I think it goes along with feeling like I’m always spinning my wheels, working like a maniac and never getting caught up. So, I’d like to start a discussion–those of you who do “self-care”, whether it’s working in your garden or making art, how do you make time for it and keep it up, even when you are crazy busy? I’d love to hear any ideas you have and how you make it work!
Reiki. I give myself Reiki. I give others Reiki. Just ask me, and I can send you Reiki, too. All I ask in return is you to send loving energy out to the universe.
My daily affirmation: "I am better and better in every way, everyday." repeat 3X (3 is a magic number)
I try to release anger, frustration, resentment, and guilt. These emotions can make your really sick. Before I get out of the shower I scrape (squeegee) my upper back (under my hair) and think the intention of all negative energy going down the drain. 3X squeegee
That said, I still stress. But, not as much, and I am much happier and creative.
Breathe!
Traci, I make time for it. I figure if I have time to watch TV, go on the computer, read, etc… I have time to journal. 15 minutes a day is my minimum. You have to get into the groove and make it a point of your day, depending on whatever you want to do. Art journaling to me is like breathing, it's a necessity of daily living.
Patti: Thanks for your comment. I guess my real question is "how" to make time for those things, like making art (or doing reiki).
Kelly: I used to work in my journal everyday, but somehow I've gotten away from it, and I need to get back to it. I used to carry it with me in my bag so that if I was waiting somewhere, I could work in it. I don't do that anymore. I think part of that is, I really don't go anywhere like that anymore. I'm not sure what all has changed. Even though I had been getting away from it before, it really happened when I started working on my book "Print & Stamp Lab" because I was working so much. I'm kind of rambling here, but yeah, I need to just make time. I keep telling myself that, but somehow that's not doing it. I always feel so behind in everything work-wise that working in my journal is the last thing to happen.
I've just really started art journaling this year. I've always wanted to do it, but never had time and felt like it had to "look like art". This year I finally forced myself, I had alot of round things happen this year and my journal is the only place I could go to talk about it and feel safe. I FORCE myself to right in it every day even if it's just a sentence. It has helped me not only stay consistent but make time for me and my healing.
Traci, I remeber feeling like you do now, had to/wanted to do lots, but always felt I didn't have time. I keep a garden, grow my own veggies, have chickens, I foster rescue cats, a house to take care, and all the things that entails. I make art, sew and quilt. I live alone, so there's no-one else to make sure the animals are fed and cleaned, the garden's taken care of, or the rubbish is out…it felt overwhelming, the things I love to do, choose to do, but HAVE to make time for everyday, and it was always my art that went on the backburner, or I felt if I work in the garden, then the house doesn't get cleaned, or if I spend the afternoon in my workroom, the garden's not done…thank goodness I'm retired and don't have to go out to work anymore!
Then I watched a documentary on a a group of nuns living in a rural convent…one of them them had the task of taking care of the food growing, the cows and goats, but her daily practise always had to come first, stopping what she was doing when the bell rang to head back to the chapel for each of the prayer sessions through the day, as well as other responsibilities she had. When asked if she found that frustrating, annoying whatever, what she said caught my attention…a half hour she said, I tell myself I have half an hour, and I do what I can in that time. There's always the next half hour another time.
So that's what I do now….I set out with the intention that I can go spend half an hour in the garden, and do what most needs doing, or half an hour tidying that cupboard, or half an hour preparing some art, or cutting fabric. Some things have to get done anyway..washing dishes, sweeping the floor, feeding animals, and somedays if I want to make art, I do that when I first get up, and the housework gets done later "when I get the art out of my system".
I find I get more done now, as I'm not wasting energy feeling I have to finish it all at once, or jumping from task to task and getting nothing accomplished, the extra time I have I ask myself what do I want to do most right now….and that's what I do.
I agree with Kelly too, I get up from the computer, or turn off the tv and do my art, I learned it's not about making time, it's about setting my intention to use my time more wisely and usefully. Oh, and the 'morning pages' are just that…for the morning, no matter what else is going on, I get up and first thing, do my morning pages, even if I get up 15 minutes earlier.
That was pretty long, sorry, and I hope it helps
…and a personal question for you to answer just for yourself….do you think you might be depressed, burnt out or needing a physical to check for low thyroid activity, or anaemia, vitamin/mineral deficiency, are you eating/sleeping well ? ….personal experience has taught me that any/all of the above have a huge impact on how well I manage day to day.
I started finding regular time when I was using a sunlamp to fight depression. I got my cup of coffee first thing and sat under my lamp. My lamp was over my art table. It was easy to get started and I had plenty of time. It is such a cornerstone of the day. Now I usually write rather than do art, but one feeds the other, so it still works.
Hi Traci,
Yes, this is the dilemma of our age, how to "do it all"! When I was in the thick of this I remember actually RUNNING while doing my gardening! Long story short, I got an illness that led me to visual journaling and between that, acupuncture, massage and a complete overhaul of priorities, I'm doing very well.
Meanwhile, I am learning to value cycles. Our culture is a "sun" culture that would keep us going 24/7! I am honing my awareness of the cyclical nature of seasons and the moon. So now, I'm much more accepting of my own "seasons" working on a project to the exclusion of other things, knowing that their time will come. I'm better at allowing things to wax and wane, including my art, meditation, etc.
I also think that the life of a working artist requires a lot of sacrifice…the muse takes priority! I remember listening to an interview with Neil Young and he said that the "music" is his boss, when he gets a song, everything stops, he'll end conversations in the midst of them, not show up for appts. etc. (here's the link if you're interested – I love Neil Young!)
http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/9176
And another interview with Peter Max where he said he HAS to show up, every day and draw, for 15 mins. sometimes it's crap and sometimes he goes for hours and it's sublime.
Generally, I haven't quite figured this out, I have competing priorities, but I trust that things will balance out in the long run. I try to structure some things into my day, meditation in the morning and walking at night so I can stay tuned in to what is important, although life has a way of tossing in new challenges just when I think I've figured it out!
Thanks for starting this thread!
Take care,
Cindy
Hi Traci, I have to snag a few moments, like when I'm drinking my juice in the morning, or taking a few creative moments at lunch-I also take my camera with me for work and sometimes remember to take my little travel case – I made compliements of instructions and supply list in your Tub Legs zine. I looked back at some of the things I have done that way, and sure enough, I have finished something. I'm still trying to find those lost hours…I'm not sure where they went, either!
I think it is less about "finding time" but keeping up the habit of making art. If you're in the habit you don't need to find time, you will have it. If you're out of habit Traci – get into it again! Just start, do it, we know you can!
It is a must to me, and I always think about the expression "you don't have time to love, you just do"…
Here's somthing else, read the entry "10 minutes a day" in http://thewritingwheel.blogspot.com/ there are other entries to read as well.
I, too, struggle to make or find time for art and other self-care activities, and I do remember a time when the struggle didn't seem so hard. Ironically, that was when I carefully structured my time using a day planner, plotting out the hours I would use for activities such as exercise, work, meditation, making art, and reading, then enforcing those times using the alerts function in ny cel phone.
We "creative types" are inclined to believe (IMHO) that a "disciplined artists" is a contradiction in terms, but in all honesty, the only time I have ever had enough time make art was when I made a schedule and stuck to it. I thank you for prompting me to remember the practice, which I'm going to get back into immediately.
If I don't do art I get really grouchy and angry. For a long time I did art as work (teaching and designing) and had so little ENERGY left for fun creative stuff. I retrained for a different (mostly 9-5)job and now I do my art evenings and weekends. But the art spirit always moved thru me, sometimes interfering with that great American value of productivity. When I was an undergraduate I HAD to draw in my notebooks and include relevant lyrics – probably at the expense of paying attention (not recommended).
But Traci, when you are your own business there is no escape – when I freelanced I would work all day and then think of 50 things I could be doing at night, and then, did them too, and went to bed exhausted.
Last summer I put up a sign by my work area that says "paint a page or write something", either of which I can manage even if I'm brain dead.
Shoot! My comment was too long, so I have to break it into 2 parts.
Everyone has made such great and helpful comments. Now I need to find time to reply! (Ha! Just joking . . .kinda . . )
Adrienne: I think a lot of people struggle with what you mentioned–they feel they need to be making a piece of art instead of just expressing themselves and working through what ever they need to work through. It does seem the key is to just set a goal for yourself that is doable (1 sentence, 15 minutes, etc)
Nanette: That sounds like a great documentary. And I think going with that Nun's way of thinking will be helpful. I'm an all or nothing girl, and it's something I'm working on. So, I DO feel like I need to finish what I'm working on instead of just working on whatever it is for a half hour. I'm going to try that and see how it works for me. And to answer your questions: I struggle with depression on and off, so that's something I deal with, but usually it doesn't keep me from working in my journal–working in my journal is how I deal with it. As for the sleeping, well, I don't sleep that well. I've had sleep studies done and have been to a sleep specialist. I have very mild sleep apnea, and using a CPAP machine didn't help me (so I don't use it). The doctor thought perhaps I have mild narcolepsy, but medication for it didn't help either. So I take naps when I need to. Sometimes that doesn't help though. When I was going through the testing, I did have blood work done, and it didn't show any problems like anemia or thyroid. I think a big problem is I just work too much and don't relax enough. Yes, I am definitely feeling burnt out (from working so much!). I haven't figured out how to be a single, self-employed artist without working all the time to pay the bills. I'm a vegetarian, and I do eat fairly well I think. I take vitamins and all of that, and even have energy work done (which normally helps, but today it didn't for some reason). There, more than you ever wanted to know about me!
Part 2:
Melusina: I like the idea of making art (or whatever) while sitting under your sunlamp. I have thought about getting one, but they are pretty expensive. I've been taking Vitamin D instead, and I think that helps. (Have you read the Depression Cure? Pretty interesting book.) And thanks for the link to the blog. It's really interesting.
Cindy: I laughed when I read your post because there have been times I have done similar things–like dragging lights outside so I could use power tools in the dark . . . or working on my laptop while I take a bath. I think you're right, that things have to wax and wane, even things that are helpful to us. We can't so everything. Thanks for the link to the interview. I'll definitely listen to it. Showing up, even for 15 minutes seems to be the key.
Linda! I'm so glad that the article in TubLegs helped you out! I still use a travel art case. But I need to come up with a smaller one. Mine is too big/heavy so I only take it with me when I'm flying somewhere. But you're right–it's about carving out time here and there.
iHanna: Thanks for the encouragement! I'm committed to getting back into the habit. I think a big problem has been keeping an area ready to work in my journal. Any little obstacle makes it too easy not to do it.
LA: I have tried so many times to make schedules for myself, and they never work for me. Something always comes up that throws it off. I haven't figured out how to deal with that so that it still works. Any advice?
Ellie: Yes, being your own business definitely makes it hard. There have been times I've woken up in the middle of the night, and wondered if I should just get up and work instead of lying there trying to sleep. Luckily I haven't given in to that. But, yes, when you are creative for your job, I think it definitely makes it harder.
Thanks again everyone for taking the time to comment. I tweeted this post today, so maybe there will be even more input and ideas later. A big reason I posted this was to get a discussion going and to get everyone's take on how they deal with it. It's been great getting the different input. Thanks!
Like so many others, this is something I struggle with too. I have no good reason for not making time for art or writing, other than that I just don't do it. I don't work, I don't raise kids, I don't keep a super-neat house … But still, how to find the time?
Making a schedule only works so well for a short time for me, but I'm going to try it again. I really do believe in just putting your butt in the chair and doing the work, even if it's for 15 minutes or half an hour at a time. In fact, when I need to do uber-cleaning on my house, I do it in 15 minute increments! 15 minutes is how I get things done, usually.
I know, from experience, that living for my muse is a romantic idea, but I need to work more often than she seems to need to visit! She's more likely to visit if I am showing up on s regular (preferably daily) basis. Even if I just do something basic and simple — it's like she knows when/where to find me if I'm keeping my commitment to make art/writing a priority for me.
I wish you the best of luck in finding a solution that works FOR YOU. *HUG*
There's something that may help in a modified version. A book written in the 70's (I think) called The Sidetracked Home Executive, outlines a system for doing and keeping track of each and every task you need to do, right down to sending birthday cards on time. While the book is meant for homemakers, their proposed system is invaluable and you basically cannot forget to do anything, so long as you look in your card file that day. They use a small box filled with index cards, organized by day, month, etc. You make yourself a card for each thing you do on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis and file it in the corresponding day/week/month. It is certainly a discipline but in my experience, as long as I don't go card crazy and create too many things for myself to do, it seems to make me feel that I have more time somehow. I guess by making it obvious that when I do have a free moment, it's MY free moment and there's nothing else pressing I should feel guilty about not doing in that moment because it's either already been done, or it's scheduled in my card file and I don't need to worry about it yet.
It's worth thinking about. I know it is hard for creative types to be disciplined about their daily activities because it feels so contrary to creativity but I think that sort of freedom only works when you really have very little responsibility. Attempting that card file would be a good test to see if you really are overextending yourself tho'. If you get a card made for everything you do and then find you can't get all your cards done and all you've done all day is work, then it may be time to let some things go.
Oh and ps, I think what Patti might have been getting at is that if you are healthy physically and emotionally, things tend to fall into place by following your lead. While it doesn't necessarily get things done, it gets you thinking more clearly and feeling more capable.
Anyway, I'm glad I found your blog! I really enjoyed reading and definitely all the comments because feeling too busy is something we've been trying to get away from at my house. It sucks the life out of life, kinda.
Sunlamps are indeed expensive, to save money I made my own. I got one of those auto clamp on lamps at Home Depot for $4.95 which will take a 100 watt bulb and then got a full spectrum bulb at the art supply shop. It's been going fine for years now.