Wearing All of Your Hats Without Losing Your Mind

Most of us keep some form of "to-do" lists, whether written or mental.   Typically, we have several areas or categories of projects that need our attention. Needs may include household, business, family needs, and those miscellaneous little to-do's that always show up unexpectedly.  For a long while, I was simply picking a project from one area, and working on it until it was completed.

Found these tangerine and other Czech Glass beads last week at Baltimore Bead Society bead show.  I know they are "spring" colors, but couldn't wait to work this one up.  Swirl dangles in middle of earrings are sterling silver - had these awhile, just waiting for the right project to use them. 

Seems logical, right?  Half a day would go by with my head buried in a "thing", and I'd feel great about getting that one thing done.  Only one problem - Most of us wear several hats at a time, and if we don't adjust each of them, that stack can topple fast!  On most days, each one needs at least some of our attention.

Recently, I've started breaking down my projects into smaller tasks, and putting some time into each area daily.  Although a given project might take a bit longer to complete, I find the days, overall, much more productive, less overwhelming, and ending in a better sense of accomplishment.  There are no longer those neglected hats looming over my head, driving me nuts.  Now, whatever I accomplish (or don't), I end each day more relaxed, confident that I have spent some time in each room in my "house", and that nothing crucial has fallen through the cracks. 

(Note:  Those that know me, know that I use the term "my house" to mean the whole of my life, homeplace, circle of relationships, environment, spirit.    Such as, "We need to put the care of "our house" first", meaning our own family's well-being and security.  Or, "We need to take care in what we invite into "our house", meaning that we should be careful who or what we allow into our lives, whether it be toxic relationships, people who would bring unacceptable behaviors, etc.)

For me, 2012 is going to be about the pursuit of BALANCE and grabbing more JOY!