I took a “mini retreat” today. I love the idea of a multi-day retreat somewhere quiet and beautiful where I ponder what I want my life and career to look like. Right now that is not tremendously practical. However, over the years I have gotten better at scheduling, and when I see that a day is relatively clear, I sometimes do what I can to get it completely clear. I like having space and options. Then, I can use the time for deep work or deep thinking.
At least that’s the idea. I spent some time today staring at the clouds (see photo). The clouds were quite nice. I liked watching wispy bits stretch and break off. However, I can’t say I had any deep thoughts about what I should be working on next. Oh well.
In other news:
Over at Verily, I’m writing about the three worst words to say to a new mom.
At Fast Company, I’m writing about how to take a staycation without feeling cheated.
Last week I wrote about tips from top voice-over artists for sounding fantastic.
“Trying to have deep thoughts” made me laugh. You can be very funny, Laura! And I am fond of staring at clouds, too. I find them mysterious and beautiful and in some strange was comforting.
I’ve been scouring my calendar for a mini-retreat day, too! Maybe you just needed a day to clear the noise and make space for deep thoughts to happen.
It might sound a little woo-woo, but even if it doesn’t seem like you had any deep thoughts there might have been some seeds planted. Even just having the space to think freely can prime the pump for future ideas.
I LOVED the three worst words to say to a new mom article–I am not even pregnant/don’t have kids yet and I get that all the time. It’s obnoxious. I love the phrase “Misery Olympics.” Even before I read this I used to have the thought “Aren’t you a middle-class adult with a partner? You have choices!” while listening to the parent complain while warning me about the dire fate awaiting me. As you say, it’s a demanding job and there are some tough times, but some things can be made easier and one person’s negative experience is not guaranteed to happen to someone else.
Love this! I had a stray 2 hours of vacation and took them this morning to read unimproving literature and take a slow shower. My husband took care of baby girl’s morning routine and drop-off. It wasn’t much but I feel sooo much better.
@By – I love the phrase “unimproving literature.” I suspect I read a reasonable amount of that.
Short and sweet- this is a great post!
I often find myself imagining these great things I want to do when I have a chunk of time to myself, which never seems plausible ( as a married working mom of two, who likes to be social). BUT thanks to your work on time management I see my time differently- so now I make different choices of how to spend my time. Your tips are so tremendously helpful.
Regarding the Verily article…I’ve found that people say those three words not just to new moms, but to moms at any stage. Just wait until they’re toddlers, just wait until they’re in school, just wait until they’re teenagers, etc.
But I’ve found that every stage of life and parenting (singleness, married life, stages of parenting) has upsides and downsides, and nothing is all bad or all good. It’s always a mixture.
@Kristen – I agree that nothing is all bad or all good. Though I am definitely looking forward to the toddler growing out of his sleep issues!
Totally agree with this comment regarding stages of your child and hearing that comment.
But the whole idea of the “three worst words”–I think it is true, but still bad to say because it isn’t really effective to the person listening. We’re all self focused in the moment and it is all relative–priorities, difficulties, etc. I don’t have lessons to impart on those without children (and who knows–they may not even want children!). Plus, I think it demeans/belittles someone’s current experience, so that’s why I don’t utter that phrase. But that doesn’t mean I don’t think it!