Do We Ever Really “Catch Up”?

I spent a decent part of the morning the other day going through the blogs of those I follow, trying to make a comment on each, or at least hitting the “like” button. 

There were a lot of blogs, a lot of stars. Yet I know I didn’t star everyone, which reflected my thoughts on why I have so many wonderful followers but only hear from a few.

Maybe those who follow my blog are just like me — signing up to follow one’s adventures, whether they are stories or photos. You are really tickled by what you read, and you figured you want to experience the world more through their eyes.

Then the day comes, the kids create chaos, the dogs are always yapping, you have a list a mile long of people and doctors and utilities you need to call, laundry is piling up in the corner, a full-time job demands your attention, broken things need fixing — you get my drift. And somehow you never get back to clicking that button.

I feel like I’m always playing the game of catch up. Being retired only takes away the time-card-punching reality of daily activity. You still have more on your plate than you can eat.

I don’t mean to overladen my soup bowl, if you get my meaning. Everything I do these days is slower, less demanding. No kids to get off to school, no desk job or factory obligations. I wake when I want, eat lunch when I want, pop off to the store when I get the urge — it’s a lot looser of a schedule than 10 years ago.

Still …

I don’t have the energy I used to to keep up any activity for any length of time. My mind is A.D.D. but my body is walking through slush. That’s why some tasks/escapades seem to take forever to finish. 

Even my artwork suffers from worn-out-itis. 

I hate it.

I hate that I can’t/don’t finish projects I start, or that it takes a hundred years to actually finish anything.

But I also am scattered enough that the hate doesn’t last for long. I am able to dismiss things I can’t do or don’t understand and move on to the next adventure. 

I am enjoying my painting adventure, but I am seeing I’m not as smooth or talented with a paint brush in my hand as I am with colored pencils. I am finding differerent outlets for my Angel Tears bookmarks and purse charms, ones that don’t take up a whole weekend at craft shows.

The point of today’s blog is to encourage you to not give up if you don’t finish projects you start. 

Some have to be finished — you can’t paint half a room or plant half a garden. 

But especially in the creative world, stick to what you love, what you enjoy. Moment to moment happiness is just as important as long time love affairs. 

Don’t worry if you don’t have enough energy or brain retention to move up and forward with every project you undertake.

Life goes on no matter what pace you set for yourself.

Set one you can live with.

And, when you remember, hit more “like” buttons……