Let’s have a cupcake together.
Today I wanted to show you some interesting places in my little corner of the Philippines, and I still want to do that, but I’m going to throw a little psycho-babble in there because my head is messy right now.
Are you ok with that? If so, welcome to my places.
I’m going to be making a few changes.
Because between the classroom, the shelter activities, my blog, my freelance work (currently working on a big project that is probably the root of all this chaos), and my relationships… my mind is a tangled web of ideas, thoughts, and to-dos.
I’m not so busy, just so unfocused.
Have you ever felt like that?
The hypothetical pie graph of my mind is being overtaken by tiny slivers of thought, both important and unimportant. Like grocery lists, Facebook, outings with girls, videos, Instagram, read aloud stories, blog comments, eBook, new recipes, multiplication games, and email.
All those slivers? There’s too many. It feels kind of paralyzing.
This is mostly because of some bad 21st-century-first-world habits, like bouncing around from internet page to page to page, with five windows open at once, checking email while editing pictures, giving precious mind power over to distraction.
That’s mind power that I need.
So I’m starting small, because that’s the only way to start.
I’m starting the day with truth, and I’m not checking email before noon.
New rule.
I’m on day two, and I’m just going to say it like it is: IT’S THE BEST THING EVER. Instead of starting my day mentally going in a million directions (oh hey there, email), I can put a laser focus on my purpose for the morning. It feels good, you guys.
By the way, keep emailing me! I love hearing from you. I might not get back to you in three seconds because I’m rehabilitating my mind and stuff, but I really truly love to connect. So please!
You guys? Thanks for being here in my places, etc.
I’m going to make you carnitas next week.
XOXO
I’ve been making a push towards a similar thing and I couldn’t believe how much more I get done!
Love these photos, Lindsay!
I love your photos! I have been to SE Asia but never to the Philippines and decided I must go!
I completely understand what the pie chart of little slivers in the mind is all about…which is why I am totally a list person, seems to organize the chart a little better 🙂
Keep up the great work on your blog!
Christal
I think Miles Lawson would be proud of your laser focus 🙂
That man is a genius. 🙂 hope you’re feeling well! So excited for you!!
LOL!
I feel ya sister. It’s called putting up boundaries, and you have to do it once in a while.
I was the manager of a department and people would be at me from the moment I woke up until the moment I went to bed. I finally decided to set some boundaries and would refuse to check my email until I physically got to work (no more checking work blackberry on the way there), settled in, had an “hour” of me time where I would close my office door, not talk to anyone, sip my coffee and do all my morning computer stats stuff with no interruption or even LOOKING at email.
People were riled up at first, but MOST began to learn and stopped bothering me. At 3:30 pm I would stop answering my emails unless it was a true urgent matter (which it rarely was).
Best thing I ever did. Setting boundaries of focussed time is the best thing you can do for yourself. Little steps at a time! 🙂
Love your photos. I don’t check my e-mail often enough, but I can’t go 5 minutes without checking my blog stats! I love the idea of starting the day with just ONE focus. I need to do that.
Loved your pictures. Wow, what a different world you live in. I can TOTALLY relate with how busy your mind is. I feel the same way. Sometimes I just sit in my chair, not knowing where to even begin. Love your idea about not even looking at email until a certain time. Thanks for the blog, I love it!
Jen Hatmaker would be proud of you. I know I sure am. Love and peace to you.
Methinks we are all there with you . . . and the to and fro of life . . . and the photos are beautiful and evocative and take us where we cannot be . . .
Oh, I think we’ve all been there sometimes, being unfocused and not knowing how to get started is usually the begining of great things. I don’t doubt you’ll get past this and achieve whatever you want!
That’s the story of my life right now (the unfocused part). I feel so overwhelmed with projects- the blog, my job, freelance work. I should be able to fit it all in but feeling overwhelmed can be a huge burdon on productivity. Good luck!
this is now the 2nd time now I’ve heard about the Truth Project! You’ve motivated me to begin! Prayers!
It is so hard to keep your mind clear these days. My wife and I have started to try and excersize to help us and get back to reading our Bible more. Good luck with your efforts.
That’s truly a genius plan!
We know the feeling — and are on the way out of that place as well! 🙂 So glad to hear you are achieving clarity. We miss you!! As always, photos are amazing 🙂 Praying for you too! Xoxo
Thanks Sonja! So excited for you guys. Eeee!
I get like that often. I think it is good and bad all at once. When I get really overwhelmed I normally read a book. Focusing on what I am reading makes everything else realign by the time I am done with my break.
Great photos! I know how you feel Lindsay. My mind moves at a 100 mpm as soon as I lift my head from the pillow. So much to do with so little time. I think I should put up some mental road blocks also. I love your blog by the way. Your articles are so great. Thanks for the great info!
What beautiful photos. I really enjoy reading your blog and love to see the shots of your life in Asia. I completely understand that ‘scatty’ too many thoughts going through my head feeling. I hope tomorrow is a better day!
Great Street Photography. You’ll be able to put these in an e-book.