Do you suppose there's a connection?

[linaewen]

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

That's a quote I like, because it can be applied to things that have far-reaching global consequences, as well as to ordinary mundane activities, like setting goals for the day and getting them done, because that will encourage me to be able to check things off my List.

I've been pondering of late how difficult it's been this last year to keep up with all the things I want to keep up on and get done the things I ought to get done, both in the RW and in all the communities and online activities I take part in.  In reviewing some of last year's LJ entries in January, I realized it's been just about a year since we got DSL high speed internet -- and I am convinced there is a connection (no pun intended) to that and to my inability to proportion my time properly so that balance is achieved and projects get completed.

Getting DSL was a GOOD thing, of that I have no doubt.  It has made it so much easier to communicate with those I want to be in touch with consistently and in a timely fashion, and that is very important to me!  It has also made much of my important work easier and more enjoyable -- but it has also made it harder to concentrate on said work, because everything else is so accessible and so distracting.  ;-)  In case you didn't realize this about me, I am totally a reference librarian at heart, not to mention a research fanatic, and having the internet -- aka the biggest, best library in the whole world -- at my fingertips is a dream come true.  But talk about rabbit trails that lead away from getting projects done...  :-D

I guess that's why our no-computer days have actually been so profitable to us, in the sense of getting things accomplished.  We'll have to start those up again, for sure!

It's not just my online activities that have kept me extra busy, however.  There have been many other things added to the mix, of course, like buying a house, and moving into it and living in it while rennovating it at the same time...  That makes me tired just thinking about it, lol!

I'm not sure where I'm going with this, except to say that part of my determination of my goals for my life in this new year will have to include balancing my time appropriately so that nothing or no one is forgotten or shoved aside or lost in the shuffle or ignored for lack of time.  A Herculean task, perhaps, but I believe it is possible to work it so that I can still do everything I love doing while also being totally productive.

If that doesn't work, I'll invent the 30 hour day so that I have more time at my disposal.  ;-)

In the meantime, I'll just go and do what needs doing, and see how it turns out.

Comments

[estellye.livejournal.com]

That is such a wonderful quote! I believe I will copy it right now and post it on my desk. Who said it?

I have been thinking about balance, too. When I was in High School I had a friend who I ate lunch with and sat next to in class and in our band activities. We spent hours together every day, but when she was in other classes she would write me long notes. It hurt her feelings that I didn't always reciprocate, but I really didn't have time. I had no study halls since I did both music and art as well as every college prep class I could fit into my schedule.

Sometimes I think it hurts my friends' feelings that I am not constantly on IM or that I don't email them every day. It's a challenge sometimes just to read and respond to everyone's LJ entries, check a few threads on the boards, and peek in over at HASA. The reason I only post to LJ about once a week isn't because I have nothing to say, I just have no time left to say it.

I guess I feel that I want to give everyone what they want and expect - what makes them feel good, but even though I do my best, I let people down every day. So if you find the secret to balance, please do share!

[hapendfro.livejournal.com]

Just to let you know, I think you do the most amazing job of keeping up with everyone of anyone I have ever known. I am astounded by you each and every day.

[estellye.livejournal.com]

Thank you, my friend! You are very kind, and that makes me feel better!

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

The quote is from a book by John Eldredge called "Dare To Desire" -- but he only uses it, as something he read in a book at a bookstore, and it struck him so much he went out and began living that way. So I don't know who the original sayer of it is.

It's a hard call to decide how much time to spend with those we want to be in touch with and support, and I suppose there will be a certain amount of disappointment at any time, when we can't do everything we feel we ought. But often that feeling of letting down is only in our minds, not the minds of others, who really do understand -- even if they regret it!

I hear you, though. We just have to do our best, and if it means concentrating on our time so that we have the energy and strength to be there when it is really important to do so, than that's what we do. If we aren't staying alive in the process of our doing, then there's no balance.

*smooch*

[siradaono.livejournal.com]

So I wont worry so much if you are not about everyday then.
Keep on keeping on my twin.

Deep Peace and Love,
tt

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Nope, don't worry about me, except in so far as you would do in the process of praying. I am doing well, just trying to do even better than well, as I keep on keeping on. My goal is to be balanced in all things so that I might be able to be available in all ways! :-D

I'm usually here in any case, just not always sharing what I'm up to. But that doesn't mean there's anything wrong. I will try to be sure to mention it if there is a problem, though.

[siradaono.livejournal.com]

very good then.
still here
still praying

Deep Peace,
twinboy

[primsong.livejournal.com]

But....but the rabbit-trails are what make the day so darn fun! :-D

I've had to scale back considerably on what I have time to read and post to, but I still find time to wander off this or that little brambled path when I go online. Ah, for the days coming when time will no longer be an issue...

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

But....but the rabbit-trails are what make the day so darn fun! :-D

They sure are! Until you look at the clock and discover that half the day is gone....

I do look forward to those days when time doesn't matter, and there's nothing hanging over my head except what I want to have there. Until then, a certain amount of sidetracking must be enjoyed, however, because otherwise, it's just too dull!

[hapendfro.livejournal.com]

I agree and what I find so very interesting is that it seems to me that the more free time I have, the less time I seem to have to do what I really want. Not sure if I just can't get my priorities straight or if I seem to think time is endless so I then waste it.

I could spend days and weeks on just one topic, I both love and hate that about the internet.

Here's to balancing our lives, to determining our priorities and having time to do what is important to our joy.

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Here's to balancing our lives, to determining our priorities and having time to do what is important to our joy.

Beautifully said! Joy is what is lacking in much of our pursuit of getting things done. If we can be balanced enough to keep the joy in all that we do, we will find we can do more, I think.