January 12, 2011

Sometimes I feel split

Split
 
The bio on my twitter page goes like this "a creative entrepreneur who will never be boxed in, but if you insist on putting me in a box, you can start with artist"

You may be familiar with the story about why I decided to name my business 'Creative Thursday'? Well it had to do with the sentiment above. I knew when I named my company 'Creative Thursday' it would allow me to pursue any and all of my creative passions. And boy has it.

That’s just the thing. I’m sitting here today a week before I head off to Alt to be a speaker, wondering who I am exactly? 

Am I an

Artist?

 blogger?

in person teacher?

online teacher?

speaker?

fabric designer?

sales rep?

accountant?

shipper?

house cleaner?

cook?

writer?

collaborator?

online community leader?

online personality?

 podcaster?

 designer?

girlfriend?

friend?

daughter?

a cat caretaker? ;)

The truth is I don’t really have time to write this blog post today but blogging is a creative expression I love and inspiration struck. And I promised myself coming into this new year, when creative inspiration strikes I would do my best to follow it. BECAUSE, that’s why I started this business!!!! But, here’s the thing...I am now in a position where inspiration strikes in so many areas, I cannot possibly follow them all simultaneously and still do the daily tasks of maintaining a business and a life.

I know I’ve talked about balance many times on this blog. And I am making progress, but as I make progress, it seems I am also adding more to my repertoire. I accept full responsibility for this. This really became clear when yesterday morning I had all the best intentions of straightening my studio. I was into the straightening a good 30 minutes and the phone rang.

  • It was my art director with the fabric company. I was expecting her call and it was important that we connect about the fabric designs. Also due to the time difference between us there are only certain times we can connect.
  • Then I realized that I still needed to prepare some final details in the 'fish bowl' for the new group of participants who are joining me for this session. 
  • Then I made a call to my licensing company announcing the new fabric line and discussing how to proceed on the next project we have in the works
  • The usual emailing peppered throughout these tasks
  • A moment for eating
  • Ordering some things online that I need for my trip next week
  • Re-learning how to add a particular widget to my blog, one that I have added before, 5 months ago, only to have completely forgotten how to do it...and even with step by step instructions, it still took me 1 1/2 hours to complete. Part of that 1 1/2 hrs. was spent simply finding the step by step instructions. Oi!
  • Tweeting throughout this experience to keep my social media presence alive and strong
  • And then it was 4:30 pm. I had a headache and I was still tripping over boxes in my studio. I had not yet returned a call from a friend about a tentative plan we have for this week, I also had not even touched the images I need to prepare for my designer who is working on my website re-design...

No need to continue on with the list. I’m sure many of you can relate to this kind of day. For the record, this is not a 'complaint post'. {although I will openly complain about how technical challenges drain my mind and my time} You know I love what I do but when I write it down like this, I know that quite often I have one too many plates spinning in the air simultaneously. I am actually pretty good at the plate spinning thing, but when it consumes and exhausts me ~ not so good.

Sean and I have regular discussions about men and women and our working habits; primarily about men’s ability to focus and women’s ability to multi-task. I have no doubt that there is truth to this, as was evidenced by the fact that when I told Sean what I tried accomplishing yesterday, he said "I don’t know how you do it?" Truth is neither do I. 

Which brings me to the point I want to make with this post. All of these streams I have flowing to and from my business at the present time, all feel right. I am excited about them. I am inspired. Not to mention multiple streams of income is in my opinion a necessity for the self-employed. But. Here’s my question.

Would my business thrive more if I wore fewer hats? Would I thrive more?

Overall I have a steadily growing business, but am I slowing down one side by focusing on another? Painting and teaching are two different disciplines. {btw the photos above, one of me teaching at Squam and the other is the only one I could find of me in front of my art at my very first, ever show, a group show that Outi, Cathy, Melissa, Patricia and I put on that we called 'the darklings' 2005} What if I was just a painter? Blogging by writing or  photography, or shooting a video, also different disciplines. Some of these activities are more internally focused while others are more externally focused. What if I was just a blogger? Am I the kind of person that would feel satisfied focusing on just one discipline?

All of these disciplines are creative, and all of them feed me. It’s just my nature to get inspired and want to explore all of it. The problem happens when I don’t give my full attention to any one discipline when I am in it. I’m almost always thinking of that 'other thing' I should be doing. The challenge with that is I never fully get into a momentum with one type of activity which is where I really do my best work. I think it’s fair to say that the way the world is operating today, it seems to be more challenging than ever to stay focused. It’s almost like you have to shut yourself away and be fiercely disciplined and specific about what you are giving your attention to.

I will do it. I will learn to live and work with ease. Which is why I’m asking myself these questions only 12 days in to this new year. {It’s true, I am already longing to go back to my holiday vacation time} I will flow gently with the stream, not against it. I will not let the stream feel like a rapid that is tossing and speeding me through my life.

Since I don’t have the answer to these questions yet, the best I can do is recognize that I did do something different yesterday. When I felt myself hit my limit. I stopped cold. I stepped away from the messy studio and my work, relaxed with Sean and I think we may have even left dirty dishes in the sink. I reminded myself that everything will get done. It always does.

Since I know I’m not alone in these experiences, how are you all finding your way with this out there? Do you even have time to read a post this lengthy these days? Do you feel split?

phone is off. email is closed. twitter is closed. I will finish straightening my studio now.

11:25 AM in thoughts on things | Permalink | Comments (38)

Comments (38)

I'm a banana split!

That's how split I am!

Posted by: lizzy | 01/12/2011 11:45:36 AM

That sounds very similar to my day yesterday! Split might not be the word I'd use... maybe juggler,tightrope walker, and lion tamer... yup, sometimes it can be like a 3 ring circus wearing so many hats. Because I don't and never had one discipline... or primary medium... I only know what it's like to wear many hats. I find it stimulating, thrilling, exhausting and sometimes impossible. On those days when it doesn't feel possible to multi-task one more thing, I think about what my highest priorities are and just pick one thing that will foster, nurture that part of me. Today I'm home without children trying to maximize as much work time as possible (and probably shouldn't be writing a blog-post length comment!!) and I hit my wall. Couldn't do more... so I stepped back and decided to bake bread. I know that sounds so romantic, but really it just made sense. I knew I would be feeding my peeps in a matter of hours and I needed some time to process all that I had been doing. Quiet thinking-time work... like washing dishes, folding laundry... they help me to wear my other hats better. Miss you Marisa and I'm so proud of all of your new adventures! You wear them well!xoxox

Posted by: maya | 01/12/2011 11:51:01 AM

So many of my days I end thinking that I feel like a buffet dinner party. Bowls of "food" all over the table, with serving spoons ready to do their work, and I am moving from one bowl to the next, filling a plate, that I will then put down and leave untouched because the phone rang again and I remembered one other thing that needed doing before I called an End to the day. I too, am trying to navigate this split-ness... if only there were a product to fix the dilemma

And I did read the whole e-mail, but skimmed just a bit for time's sake.... :)

Posted by: Liz | 01/12/2011 11:57:24 AM

you are cracking me up over here. well miss banana split, get ready for another banana split to come visit you. we should have some good discussions about this next week.

Posted by: Marisa | 01/12/2011 12:06:55 PM

Hi Marisa
I am always looking for the answer as to how to feel less "split". Now that I'm a Mummy it's even more of a challenge!!! Is it possible for me to feel more balanced I wonder? As, as an entrepreneur you do have to wear so many hats to be able to run your own business. For me also, exploring different creative avenues keeps me inspired. I do set a time table to work to and then literally lock myself away to tackle the most urgent deadlines first as it's so easy for me to get distracted on the less important, little jobs just so feel like I can tick something off the list quickly! I would love to find a way to fit in more creative time as the admin always seems to get in the way.
I hope you find some answers and have a wonderful time at Alt :)
Em x

Posted by: Little Brown Rabbit | 01/12/2011 12:11:20 PM

I'm so glad you wrote this. I feel this way at least once a week and its so confusing. I totally get it and I wish I could say - 'hey marisa - you know what the secret is..." but alas, I don't know the secret to being less split so the dot dot dot remains.
Congrats on your new fabric line - you are such an inspiration to me!

-Andrea (papersparrow)

Posted by: Andrea Lauren | 01/12/2011 12:29:28 PM

I think many artists suffer from this mainly because their creativity makes them so great at doing such a wide range of things. If you recall, I've moved from the hustle and bustle of SoCal to a more simpler East Oregon life and that has definitely helped me hone in and focus on what is important to me. I still have an urge to put more things on my plate, but I'm now more aware than ever that it doesn't do me any good to do this, since I'll just end up drained and demotivated at the end of the day, or worse yet, sick for a week or more. These are just signs my body tells me. It's so great you are allowing yourself to follow when your creativity strikes leading you in so many great directions when it comes to your passions, and that you acknowledge when enough is enough. ~May

Posted by: EarthtoGirl | 01/12/2011 12:38:10 PM

All I can say is "we must be normal"
A constant pulling in all directions we love and knowing that there is only so much time in a day is a constant struggle for me also. Knowing that the "business-side" of my business often suffers, when I focus on the creating. I think it's a blessing and a curse to be "able" and want to do so many things. And sometimes I think. Maybe I should just paint, or maybe I should just teach, or maybe I should just design jewelry, or maybe I need to be a more involved Mom. And then, there is the voice of "reason" - I wouldn't be true to myself to limit myself. But it's okay that sometimes I wish I could. This was my FB status today, that seems to fit here. Maybe it would strike a cord with you too.
"To dream of the person you would like to be is to waste the person you are."

Thanks for being who you are, it really makes me feel a bit more "normal"
xox

Posted by: Cherylyn | 01/12/2011 01:10:46 PM

I do read blog post that are this food when I get what that writer is writing about..I understand...I think giving yourself permission to be all of the above is very beautiful.I admire your strength.

Posted by: gloria King | 01/12/2011 02:03:55 PM

I swear I could have written this post myself (minus the fabric designs parts :). I resonate with needing to create in various disciplines in order to be fulfilled such as: painter, writer, photographer, designer, silversmith, creative coach, reiki master, teacher, curator, event planner, marketer, blogger etc.

I tired picking ONE a few times. Once upon a time I was a professional photoshop retoucher, commercial photographer, museum curator and graphic designer. I gave each one of these professions a go for about five years plus. I did only that - work at those jobs and fulfill those positions, some were for myself as a freelancer others were for corporations, all were/are creative.

Yet, I felt creatively stifled in each ONE. While in each one I'd be feeling inspired by another but chose to FOUCS on the one. During this time I felt it was responsible of me and the only way I'd be able to truly support myself. I even told myself I could do, the others, in my free time, which I did, sometimes but ALL i truly had to do was pick one. Ultimately the various forms wanting expressing inside me were neglected and left me depressed, though in good jobs.

Finally that depression got so heavy I had to make an adjustment or be crushed. I had to accept that I wasn't meant to be doing just one thing, in my life or with my life. The time had come in my joureny to accept myself as embodying the artist archetype. It's hard to be different when our culture and society is set-up to accept people who master one thing. That one thing surely will kill the artistic spirit. When reading your post, list and expression, I thought mama what a passionate artist. It inspired this thought:

A person who embodies the ARTIST archetype as their primary life force, creates art on and off the page, actively practices the art of living! The Artist Archetype expresses creativity. The Illuminated Artist is the awareness of our personal life and day to day activities, the art of living. The Shadow Artist never allows creativity to be developed or thrive.

It’s hard to embody and live the artist archetype when our society devalues the artist as a whole and is intent in anesthetizing art programs from schools, endowments, our culture that is ignorant to the value art possess and the artists who create and share a world beyond the five senses. Yet, my existence and your existence and ALL the other artist types out there, prove the artists does exist. By definition an artist practices various forms of creation. The form it takes is dependent on what is striving to be created and as such it’s shape will take the best to serve it’s vision, it’s message, it’s intention - ultimately the people destined to engage it’s art form. Sometimes we just need a break. mama. you’re right it can be exhausting being the host to all those ideas and inspiration. What’s helped me is to give myself structure, like when I was in school. I’m currently playing around with breaking down the day into various disciplines so through small steps everything is being cultivated; lunch at this time, day ends at that time, coaching in the mornings, writing between this + that hour, creating during these hours etc. Now this is open for adjustment when necessary and is easily adjusted since I’m tending to each bit consistently I don’t feel like I’m holding the ocean back with a soon. The other thing I’ve started to do is heart talks. As each idea presents itself I write it down and then center in my heart and ask now or later. If now I ask how long, if later, I ask when to visit? This is helping me intuitively prioritize my day. I figure I know better than anyone what truly needs to be completed and so am trusting that and asking myself - what up? Where to? and who (what ideas) are we visiting today - keeping in mind this or that deadline. It’s working in ways I never thought possible and developing my sense of self trust. I don’t know about you but when i feel myself start to doubt what’s up and the process i’m completing things, i know i need a time out. Cuz engaging that energy can destroy the creations i’ve made throughout the various mediums. I see it in the yin / yang. creation vs destruction and each hold specific challenges that some days I’m better at engaging than others. it’s during those time i ask, what am i creating? do i need a time out cuz i’m starting to engage destruction? doubt? - even on it’s mildest level it’s a sign for me to take a break and remind myself just who I am - a creator type.

Thank you for sharing this part of your journey! Perhaps it’s just that, part of the journey into change. I mean, cuz damn, you just took yourself to a whole new level signing that Contract. There’s bound to be a lil’ adjustment, a little shift that reorganizes your, everything (mind, beliefs, process) to make way for your new ventures, after all you also create the process in which these creations take place. thank you again for sharing, it’s exactly what I needed to hear and feel today as i endure some shifting of “things” over here. Be well. ♥ stephey

Posted by: Stephey | 01/12/2011 02:22:05 PM

I see that you've been doing some creative accounting. Don't let the IRS know. ;-)

Posted by: Kelvin Kao | 01/12/2011 02:28:13 PM

One of my goals for this year is to be more focused with my time and try to only focus on one or two things at a time. I actually need to in order to truly let my body heal from some health issues. I am actually excited about letting some of my expectations go and really just living in the moment. I know I probably won't accomplish as much as I usually do, but I know that it is what I need right now. I know I am going to be such a better person for it too!

Posted by: Wendy Brightbill | 01/12/2011 03:02:03 PM

This is how I feel exactly! In December I quit my full time job in order to focus on being creative/building a business, and to go back to school to make a career change. I'm trying to get back into school/studying, and I'm taking Science courses which use so much of my brain power that I don't feel I have much energy to be creative. When I try to "relax" on the weekend all I can think about is "But there's so much I want to make!!"

So that's my life in a nutshell. I know there could be worse problems but I'm thinking that I need to get myself on a schedule and carve out the creative time to be sure it happens. Good to know we are all in the same boat!

Posted by: Laura | 01/12/2011 04:21:19 PM

i feel this way at work a lot, with the 4:30 pm "what happened to my day" thought top of mind this week in particular. also, because i feel at a crossroads - my corporate star is rising and i don't know if that's what i want. how do you walk away from something that you're good at and provides stability? is a creative hobby enough for me? and so on and so...

what helps me think through all of this "stuff" is that pressure helps you see how flexible you are (like a branch! in the wind!) and that personal growth is uncomfortable and sometimes painful. and that we are individually in charge of both. what surprises me about men and women - at least in MY office - is that men say no more often. no, i can't meet that deadline, no, i can't stay late today. and typically they get approval for being decisive and a leader.

wow. i think i could go on and on. you're not alone. i think i may need to noodle this some more. :)

Posted by: wendy | 01/12/2011 05:50:49 PM

1. Delegate tasks
2. Leverage your time
3. Narrow your focus
4. Define YOU!
5. Tell yourself you are doing your best
6. Listen
7. Believe in YOU and your path!!

Not that any of these tips make it easier....but things change, no matter what day it is...we grow, we evolve and our needs and wants change constantly.
Sounds like you need to re-evaluate and narrow your focus and get back to what really makes you happy. Is it creating, teaching, or ?
pve

Posted by: pve | 01/13/2011 05:58:04 AM

I really relate to this post as a creative person. I have a lot of interests that sometimes leave me feeling scattered and as if I don't devote enough energy to any one of them to really get good at it / perhaps achieve some more tangible success. It's hard, because I think the tendency to see new possibilities is part of my creative spirit and a good thing, but a little more single-minded focus would really be nice at times.

Posted by: Lisa | 01/13/2011 07:28:29 AM

Many of us add mother/parent to the list. Today I was working on my major project a and a certain Tiger Skunk would not leave me alone.

Maybe it comes from my corporate background or because I do believe that as a freelancer I need to think of myself as an entrepreneur, but I do believe in the business plan. It doesn't have to be hard and fast, in fact it should be somewhat dymanic. It also doesn't have to be overly explicit and full of things like vision, mission, and objectives. But having one clear, overall picture of what you want your business to do, and by extension, what you want to do, makes it a lot easier to say no to things. And yes to others.

Like all businesses, it is good to revisit this periodically.

This is a silly example, but we used this strategy when we planned our wedding. We sat down and decided what the most important thing to us what about having a wedding. (Not getting married, but having a wedding.) In our case, because a wedding seemed like a formality in an already long-term, committed relationship, the answer was to throw the best party we could for the people we cared about. So every decision that needed to be made, we would ask the question - will this make it a better party? It became very easy to make those decisions.

I do the same thing when faced with opportunities (real or supposed), taking on new work, addressing details, and planning new projects. The trick is knowing your own question and the answer to it.

Posted by: Cheryl Arkison | 01/13/2011 09:59:48 AM

miss you too! after I return from Alt we need to plan a phone chat. xo

Posted by: Marisa | 01/13/2011 10:27:54 AM

that's just it. I am both, artist and teacher. Thank you for the tips pve. love them, especially this one "tell yourself you are doing your best"

Posted by: Marisa | 01/13/2011 10:30:53 AM

Cheryl! brilliant. I have wrote an entire business plan once, quite a while ago. It's a great idea and reminder to have a clear mission statement and always ask yourself in your decision making process, is this fulfilling my mission? and then of course, there always needs to be a little wiggle room left for re-evaluating your mission as your business evolves. thank you for sharing this!

Posted by: Marisa | 01/13/2011 10:40:59 AM

oh, yes, I feel "split" all the time. If I'm writing, I think I should be painting. If I'm painting, I think I should be reading. If I'm reading, I think I should be doing. . . doing anything--anything that equals production, output, etc.
I can't decide--am I a writer or an artist. Do I have to choose? I think constantly about focusing on one thing or the other but I can't make myself--I enjoy both. And why should I have to choose? I ask myself this all the time!

And then add in the house, childcare, husband-maintenance. Oh, if only I had a wife to take care of all that for me! lol.

So yes, I know exactly how you feel.

Posted by: Kelly McMichael | 01/13/2011 12:11:58 PM

wow! i don't know how you do it either! there's a lot on the go in your world, many salutes for handling it all with such swag. i totally empathize and agree about time suckers and also the things you feel such passion for eating up mass amounts of time. it's completely fulfilling to me, spending countless hours photo editing or writing cos i love them both. but then a bunch of other stuff falls by the wayside. tough to balance is right. i have a "sean" too and boy, sure couldn't do it without him. cheers lades to the many hats and your ability to create harmony between them all.

Posted by: Lynn | 01/13/2011 12:27:02 PM

Oh Marisa, I have no time for a proper comment (because I'm so split and the little ones are calling me to play!) but just want to say I feel you. It is FUN to live so many lives, isn't it? It might be a crazy balancing act but it is so wonderful. As to whether focusing on just one you'd be more successful...who cares? Multiple income streams that draw from your multiple talents and passions is always better in my book. That way you won't get bored. Enjoy it!

Posted by: Amber | 01/13/2011 06:25:31 PM

Hi Marisa....this so resonated with me when I read it yesterday and I would agree with everyone and their comments and tips. Cheryl is correct about the mission statement and business plan. I too have both and I think making an appointment with yourself to review it helps you keep on track...you are all of those things you mentioned at the top. The thing is you need to define what each of them means to you and how much time you can give each one or are willing to give each one...in the end though it is the personal relationships that will outlast even the creativity....the friend, the daughter, the girlfriend and the cat caretaker...make sure you keep those at the top of the list not the bottom....I like how Ambers little ones are calling her to play...that is where it is at....we can become so inspired by those important people around us that it can lead us to be more creative in all those other areas.....now if I can listen to my own advice, I'd be rockin....

Posted by: Sarah | 01/13/2011 08:10:06 PM

You are absolutely right about the personal relationships Sarah which is why I should have put a note before my list emphasizing that it was not a list in order of importance but merely a stream of consciousness that started with my professional life and evolved into my personal to include all that I am on a daily basis.

Posted by: Marisa | 01/13/2011 11:27:26 PM

I thought about that after I wrote but I figured you would clarify... and I did not want you to think that I thought it was at the bottom....

Posted by: sarah s. | 01/14/2011 08:32:31 AM

Ooh, I wish I had time to read everyone's comments. Today is my day to catch up and straighten my studio! I just want to chime in and say 1) Your ability to self-reflect about *what is working for you* is always a major inspiration for me. Because I think I get lost being run by the demands of my business and forget to make empowered choices when I am feeling drained, such as cutting something out or carving out time for a particular thing to thrive in. And 2) I do find that I have to have some plates going. Doing only one thing would bore me to tears and I find that when I switch hats, I get reenergized by the new medium. I do think I have a few too many going sometimes, but switching back to, for example, painting, I feel a rush of all of the ideas and notes I've made in the weeks that I didn't paint, so my enthusiasm to do that is high.

I've learned so much from you about myself/my business and how they can integrate, M. Thank you.

Posted by: Pixie Campbell | 01/15/2011 12:22:05 PM

i've struggled in the past feeling torn by all the things that interest/pull/demand my attention ... yes, like that plate spinner running from pole to pole to keep things in motion ...

but i've discovered if i can be quiet and gently ask what, of all the things i think i want to be doing in this moment - what would best feed my creative soul? there is this level of trust i've had to cultivate that if i step away from something, it (and the inspiration) will still be there when i come back. i always struggle with not truly trusting and believing in abundance and its continual presence in my life. but when i have embraced that, i can more easily devote myself to one thing while the pull is strong and then, when that winds down, find one of my other "interests" is now charged with new energy and inspiration.

does that make sense?

i am laughing over the technology time drain ... for me it is being inspired to blog and then having blogger go down ...

and for a title, i call myself a Creative Explorer ... covers a lot of things :)

xo Lis

Posted by: Lis | 01/15/2011 12:33:23 PM

I felt so many times, that for this coming year I decided not to point to many targets at once because I did not contrive to none. I've opened too many roads and I can not walk all the time, so my solution is analyzed from the economic point of view what actions I will report more income and focus on that activity aside so I do not add anything more noise. I have also decided to spend more time creating and less to the promotion, which this past year has eaten much of my time.

The problem is the level of ambition, we want to be everywhere at once, and we compare ourselves with others who are there in positions where we would like to be, but more effective is to design our plan according to our pace and not get carried away the bridle as the horse. Well, what I say are reflections that I have to apply myself and if you serve someone else, I rejoice that so be it.

I hope that you can combine your activities so that you feel better.

Posted by: Ana Gonzalez | 01/17/2011 05:19:02 AM

Thank you Cherylyn. I think we are all more normal than thought experiencing these kinds of push pull moments in our lives. I loved your status update ;)

Posted by: Marisa | 01/17/2011 12:06:40 PM

The split I feel is a little different since I'm not an artist, but a therapist. I find my work to be very creative and intuitive and it's also tricky to walk the line between who I am in my private life and who I am through my work. I also blog about intimacy, relationships and sexuality and do a segment on a tv show as their relationship coach twice a month. So then I wonder, am I a therapist? an educator? a blogger? a tv personality? Lately I've been thinking more about who I am at my core and how all of these roles or titles or outlets either are in line with that or create incongruence. I'm looking for ease in life and when I'm in my easy place I feel more whole...all of the pieces feel connected rather than so separate.

Posted by: Julie | 01/17/2011 12:59:30 PM

Stephey! As per usual. You have inspired me with your thoughts. I think there absolutely has been a shift with that has happened for me and will continue on this week. I can even feel it in the subject of my dreams. It is comforting to think of these shifts as just part of the process. Hearing back from everyone on this post is encouraging me to embrace all of this in a way I never have before. Thank you also for your tips. When I come back from my trip I might see if I can stick to a schedule of sorts, like the one you suggested.

Posted by: Marisa | 01/17/2011 05:35:32 PM

Thank YOU Pixie ;) You are doing so well with all of us. It is inspiring for me to observe it all unfold for you. I love your new medicine bundles by the way. brilliant!

Posted by: Marisa | 01/17/2011 06:02:21 PM

Im looking for ease in life and when Im in my easy place I feel more whole...all of the pieces feel connected rather than so separate. ~ I feel exactly the same and you captured it in that sentence so beautifully. thank you Julie!

Posted by: Marisa | 01/17/2011 06:05:34 PM

oh my goodness, this is my life too. Eee gads. So split and so me and so loving it and hating it at the same time. Wish I weren't a jack of all trades, but this is also who I am so I am working on loving it. Ahh, yes, the paradoxes...

Posted by: Ashlea Walter | 01/19/2011 07:33:50 AM

Liz, I love your metaphoric illustration of what I certainly experience daily...except with me it's moving around the island in the kitchen and remembering I need to sort through notes in one place and go to my desk to send an email, then remember that I have to print out notecards, and oh, I need some tea, then...need to work on artwork, ect.
It's all very colorful and fun and inspirational, but then I make myself stop and rethink priorities. Some how so much gets done in a day....
Andi

Posted by: andischroeder@verizon.net | 01/20/2011 06:49:25 PM

Indeed Andi, so very much does manage to get done everyday, it's kind of a miracle if you think about it.... moving and stopping, moving and stopping, rinse and repeat...

Posted by: Liz | 01/21/2011 09:08:55 AM

i've totally been feeling split (thank you for this post and making me remember i'm not the only one). one thing that's been helping me is recognizing that even when i feel like i'm falling behind in one thing and need to catch up to another or balancing too many things in the air, i've been noticing that the things that are right for that time fall into place. i'm just the person who likes to have all of these things in the air, but unfortunately i also stress out about it sometimes. if i take away that self-imposed stress (at least a bit less) it's not as bad :)

thank you for all of your inspiration, always.
-juliette

Posted by: juliette crane | 01/31/2011 06:52:21 PM