Each week for as long as I’m digging it, I’ll share my responses to some or all of the Life Organizer questions – my most recent book. We do this together at the Comfort Cafe every week.
This past week was very intense and focused.
I got lots done and I also fell into my pattern of overworking – not in hours but rather in overworking my thoughts, my ideas, my concepts.
I have a tendency to chase an idea around until it dies of exhaustion.
I didn’t use to do this – at least not as much – but between the changes that perimenopause has wrought to my brain and the natural verbose nature of my mind and the fact that I’m more interested in subtle distinctions than grand sweeping pronouncements – I’ve become an idea overworker.
The answer? I came up with a few while doing The Life Organizer question this week.
But first, a shout out to the amazing, couragous, wide awake women who came to my Seattle retreat. What a lucky person I am to convene such days of soulful centering.
It was so sweet.
And extra happy dance as I actually got to hug Jen Hoffman and Cairene MacDonald in person (that is the best way to hug someone, in person). They are each as fab in person as they are on the phone or on Twitter.
Plus Vicki White was my assistant – how wonderful to see her beautiful face!
Okay, on to the questions…
Week 40
What would I choose to do this week if I remembered that I am a quirky, fabulous, utterly unique and perfect face of God?
I would choose to keep focusing on what I love, what strengthens me, instead of panicking over all I need to get done before my looming deadlines.
I would work on sensing into the balance between letting an idea take root and bloom, and fretting it to death. Use my body to help me do that.
I would get up from the computer when I feel the over-fretting happening.
I would sense in to my quirky creative essence whenever I feel lost and remind myself that my job is to be fully who I am – besides, everybody else is taken.
I would re-read The Elements of Style.
My mood lately has been . . .
Alternating between laughing and happy or stressed and negative. I notice how focusing on the good – taking it in, savoring it- really really helps. Thanks Rick! (I actually had three dreams this week where I savored the good in the dreams and woke up laughing.)
Is pushing, forcing, striving, or doing excessively for others present in my life these days? If so, how might I embrace that part of me, honor it, and ask it what it needs to feel important, taken care of, or special?
This is THE issue I am working on in my life. Too tender to share publicly but I will say I had a major epiphany about this on the ferry before I lead my Seattle retreat on Saturday and did some very very good inner ferry work – and it was so helpful.
What would nurture my soul this week?
Sitting outside, walking slowly in the woods, looking at the changing leaves (really looking), being done with work most days at 4 so I can be with Lilly when she comes home, just being being being alive!
What about you?
Ways you can play:
Write down the questions and muse upon them in your journal.
Join the Comfort Cafe and do it in community.
Pick one question and respond in the comments.
Or…?
8 responses so far ↓
1 Tweets that mention Choose Your Life Mondays – Quirky Edtion » Comfort Queen -- Topsy.com Oct 12, 2009
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by tangokate. tangokate said: RT @jenlouden New at my blog: Choose Your Life Mondays – Quirky Edtion: Each week for as long as I’m digging i.. http://bit.ly/1x4f3h [...]
2 Hiro Boga Oct 12, 2009
“What would I choose to do this week if I remembered that I am a quirky, fabulous, utterly unique and perfect face of God?”
Thanks for this profound question, Jen.
I would choose to unveil my January program and offer it with love and delight.
I would write a Thanksgiving letter to each of my sons, sharing with them the great story of our shining, interwoven lives as it extends into this moment and beyond.
I would get on with the next book that’s gestating in me.
3 Julie Oct 12, 2009
Jen;
I loved these 3 points: “I would choose to keep focusing on what I love, what strengthens me, instead of panicking over all I need to get done before my looming deadlines.
I would work on sensing into the balance between letting an idea take root and bloom, and fretting it to death. Use my body to help me do that.
I would get up from the computer when I feel the over-fretting happening.”
They are beneficial for me to remember as well because I have several deadlines looming.
But I’m curious, why would you reread “The Elements of Style?” I remember this book as a rather dry rendition of writing elements. Maybe I need to check it out from the library to refresh my memory. Anyway, I’m curious as to why it would give you comfort.
4 Marisa Oct 12, 2009
I would lay down the burdens that I volunteer to pick up, in some insane attempt to “prove” that I am fabulous and quirky….like planning elabrate parties I don’t really feel like having. I get insecure about just “being” because I feel like our society expects people to keep striving and just “being” is viewed as such a lazy thing to do, even if it’s the right thing to do at the time.
As a quirky chick who is going to start owning her unique and fabulous self, I am going to do a little bellydancing today (Bellydance Superstars was on KBTC lastnight!). It’s been awhile since i have danced and I can tell the difference when I don’t. It’s my way of asserting my fabulousness on a daily basis.
5 Jennifer Hofmann Oct 12, 2009
I’m sooo happy I got to hug you in person, too, Jen!
“What would I choose to do this week if I remembered that I am a quirky, fabulous, utterly unique and perfect face of God?”
I’d probably have a good, cleansing cry. Then I’d bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies. And after snacking on a few, I’d take practical steps to risk looking like a total idiot to receive and give more love.
Because, really, what else is life for but love and chocolate?
6 Jennifer Oct 12, 2009
Your comments – what beauty! What light! And chocolate too!
Julie, I was thinking Elements of Style would help me with my idea overworking tendency by helping me think more clearly – specifically when it comes to writing. It may not. Just an idea!
7 Lea Howell Oct 12, 2009
I have tried to write something 5 times here…..but after the last 2 weeks, I feel the need to just read and learn from you.
I have planned a “retreat” for myself this weekend……to try and find an answer to this question….right now, I can’t come up with one. Have been too overwhelmed with busyness.
Thanks for your insights!
8 Michelle Wells Grant Oct 15, 2009
Dear Jen,
GOSH, I’m glad I found you! This post speaks to so much of what I’m struggling with and tomorrow morning when I do my daily journaling I am going to ask the question, “what would nuture my soul this week?” Thank you!
Michelle