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Do you struggle with perfectionism — like me?
This is the first time I’ve opened my laptop in more than a week, the first time I’ve looked at my blog in more than that. The last two weeks have been busy. I’ve been teaching a writing camp at my new job, where I’m an instructor at an after-school learning center. Camp has been in the mornings; regular classes, until 7 or 8 at night. It’s been fun — tons of it — and has given me a lot of ideas about what to write right here. But when it comes to actually sitting down and finding the time to write? When I’m not exhausted?
And the thing is, I don’t want my blog to be all about me, or, worse, less than my best work. The key to successfully engaging an audience is to have something interesting to say, and to say it well. But great writing requires a fresh mind and time to follow through. It seems like every time I sit down to write, I’m in a hurry. Today I’m headed out to meet Jon at the marina where he is tootling around on the bay in our new kayak. It’s something we’ve been wanting to do together for a while now, but, well, when has there been time for that, either?
The good news is that this next week I have a little time off, and I intend to utilize that time to do some of the things (write and ride, and maybe swim) I’ve been putting off. I also know that many of the world’s greatest writers have finished their best works while working other “real” jobs, however. A busy schedule is no excuse.
So stay with me, please. Soon to follow are letters from students, thoughts on homelessness, thoughts on futures, gay pride (the San Francisco Pride festival is being held in the city this weekend; it feels weird to live in so liberal a place when both Jon and I come from much more conservative backgrounds), and much, much more.
I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend!
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See that head poking out of the water? That’s me swimming. :)
shift 
Not to worry – looking forward to the upcoming posts.
Thanks as always, Dan! I appreciate your encouragement and support. :)
It looks to me like you’ve made the right choice. Anyway, it’s got to be tough to swim and write well at the same time. :-)
Aww, thanks! Definitely have to get out and live life in order to have worthwhile things to write about. And yes, swimming and writing surely are done best separately. That is, unless you’re writing poetry in your head… ;)
I have to have a fresh mind to do most anything. Glad you are enjoying the San Francisco life. We are going to be spending some time down there soon.
Are you, Terri? Look us up! I would love to introduce you to Jon. We love living in Berkeley!
Looks like you are taking in all the great things SF has to offer, look forward to your coming posts ~ and enjoy the summer exploring and doing what you do so well. Cheers.
Thanks, Randall. How have you been? Any upcoming trips to China? Please stay away from North Korea!!
Ha, ha ~ heading to South Korea for a couple of days then Hangzhou/HK for the week, and then back to Seattle for the rest of summer :-)
Take care!
I am always trying to learn something new so I can make some form of improvement. To do this, I am always reading and seeking out ways to be more productive. In my searches, I found some gems in regards to motivation.
They liken it to a muscle. You work and work and finally the muscle just gives out. I can really see this. At work, when I am fresh; I can do a million things. I work extra even to ensure everything is perfect. After a few hours at home, I am spent. I can barely mop the floor or clean the refrigerator.
So I get where you are coming from. You will find the right time…
Thank you, Steve. It’s good to know others relate… I thought of you yesterday, too. Out here windsurfing is really popular. I’d like to try it. Have you?
It sounds like you’re having a great time living life, and doing things that you never thought you would. When you’re tired, it’s feels harder to do things and sometimes we get less motivated too. When we’re tired, maybe we’re doing too much. Or maybe not. Maybe we’re just thinking too much.
Perfectionism? I totally relate to that. Being perfect takes up time and energy too. I won’t publish a blog post until I’ve read it countless of times. I can spend days on it sometimes. I want to show you my room (as promised) but it’s still not perfect too me. You can’t hurry a perfectionist…that only makes them more stressed. Have a good week, Jess. And hope you’re well :)
Thank you, Mabel!!!!! It’s funny. I am realizing that, when I started my blog, my blog was all I had. It was easy to be fresh for it and pour a lot of time into it. Now? Now I am just seeking that new balance between everything I am doing and still keeping my own standard on my blog.
I’m sure your room looks great! Jon’s and my apartment still isn’t perfect, but sometimes the progress and making something your own is half the fun.
Hope you’re having a great night!
kayaking looks fun! enjoy your life, a blog is just,well, a blog! :)
That’s true, Fraggle! But my blog is more than that to me, too. It is an outlet in which I can use my talent and have made many wonderful friends, as well! Hope you’re having a great week!
I meant no disrespect Jess :)
Oh, I know, Fraggle!!! Didn’t meant to imply otherwise. And, really, you are very right!! More thoughts on that later…
Sounds about a right! A move is all consuming! New job, new friends, new things to discover, living with someone special…and suddenly fitting in a blog becomes quite a challenge. I have decided not to commit to blogging routinely, but to fire up the blog when I’m feeling especially inspired and just cant be away from it! It’s working for me! Nevertheless, I am really looking forward to those proposed blog posts you have suggested :-)
Your posts are always awesome, Lianne! I love your work and your commitment to helping those in need. The stories you bring to life inspire me!! Thank you, thank you, and thank you for the encouragement to keep writing!
No, I am no where near perfect – I struggle with being lazy!
Love and miss ya – thanks for writing…
Cause I take every blog post as if
ur writing to me!
We share the same soul, Hoss. Pretty sure you and Jon would hit it off, too (or maybe you’d be too similar and butt heads, haha)… But thank you for reading. You know how I feel about writing…
I’m not a writer, but I can appreciate your perspective on perfection and finding time to do everything. I’m easily overwhelmed. It seems the things that bring me the most happiness are the most likely to go without being crossed off.
Good to see you’re at least getting out to enjoy the water and sun.
Perfectionism… Can be exhausting at times. And trying to excel at 3 different languages, work, hobbies. Can be tough at times but equally rewarding :-)
So excited to start following you!
Aww, thank you! I am excited to meet you, too! I have been so bad at keeping up with my blog and others’ lately. A year ago I wrote a lot more, but my life has just been crazy lately. Anyway, I really appreciate your comment. Hope you are doing well, and thank you again for stopping in and commenting!