I'm going to share a secret with you: I put the Energizer Bunny to shame. I'm up at 5:45 a.m. most mornings, off and running. I do a fairly phenomenal job of taking care of my family, friends and clients. I go full speed all day, then collapse around 11:30 p.m.I haven't been to the gym in a year, I forget my vitamins regularly and I probably read two, maybe three books in all of 2010. Because reading books requires sitting down.
And I'm a role model for some people. Scary, huh?
Fortunately, it's a new year, people -- and I've decided to slow down and take better care of me.
I'm not starting at the gym ... although I'll get there. I'm starting by officially moving the Energizer Bunny into slipper and jammies and a good book mode. I'm going to relax.
I discovered over the holiday break that it can be done. I was sprawled on the couch one night, glasses off, enjoying the unfocused Christmas lights as only a severely nearsighted person can do. (Monet wasn’t nearly as impressionistic as you think.)
“What are you doing?” said Kate.
“Nothing. Looking at the reflections,” I responded.
“Ah. You’re reflecting,” she said.
Reflecting led me to this ...
I still love the Creative Instigation blog and our incredibly talented team, but I don't want to post Monday-Friday at 4:22 a.m. any more. I want to write things like this and post them at 1:11 on 1-1-11. Why? Because that makes me laugh.
And it's my blog, dang it.
So, in 2011, I plan to post whenever I want. That could be twice a day. It could be twice a month. Finding out will be part of the fun ...
10 comments:
I love it! More spontaneity, more relaxation...it's all good. Which, I believe, will lead to even more creativity! Happy New Year, Jan!
That's the beauty of subscribing through the feed - whenever you post, we'll be there! Happy New You!
Jan -
When you told me about this post last night and I said, "I won," it was exactly the kind of selfish, immature response I'd expect from myself about the faux blogging competition we've (I've) had going on since November 2007.
You need to do what you need to do to take care of yourself, without a doubt.
My only thought is my life was less creatively rich in 2010 because I wasn't seeing and working with you nearly every day as I had for many years. Creative Instigation, even with you pushing it into areas further away from my personal creative interests (and it being clear you weren't enjoying writing it as much), has been my only regular creative contact with you.
So if pulling away from daily publishing translates to richer creative content from a happier, more calm and fulfilled Jan, that's great. If it means there's actually time and energy for you to spend some in-person creative instigation time with me, then it's clearly the best decision you've ever made!
Okay, that's all still pretty selfish, but at least it's a little less immature than last night's response!
All my best to you, Tom, the girls, and your entire family for a calmer, more creative and reflective 2011!
You creative instigation partner,
Mike
P.S. I'd suggest your readers sign up for your email or RSS feeds at http://feeds2.feedburner.com/CreativeInstigation so they don't miss one word of your less frequent Creative Instigation!
OK. I get it. I suppose you're right... If you sign up for Lifetime then I expect a call and a yoga class together.
Jan, you write it, we'll be there. Now, I'm going to put some Drambuie and whipped cream in my coffee and lounge about the house like the decadent rabbit I am. Happy New Year!
Jan.. This is the way to live life..slow..enjoyable and do things in 'your' time. So often we turn our 'fun' things into 'work' and soon lose our passion to continue on. I wish you a blessed and happy relaxing year!!
xoxo Gert
PS Thanks for visiting my blog..you are noticed:)
The beauty of this life is that we are always free to reinvent the way we approach things. Good for you and let it be a lesson to us all. We let ourselves fall into patterns and it can be hard to fight our way out, but that's when the most progress is made. Rest assured, whenever you post, we'll be there to enjoy reading it.
May each day of the coming year be vibrant and New bringing along many reasons for celebrations. Wishing you a fabulous 2011!
Okay--I am going to say what all the rest of you are thinking--What do you mean you are not going to write every morning anymore? How am I going to start each day without Jan's blog--without some creative instigation??
Who is going to make me giggle over a Starbuck's label--or run out and buy the makings of banana bread??
Who is going to entice me to try a new website (and then make me late to work because I couldn't stop reading!)?
Who is going to give me permission to play with my food?
Seriously, i wish you nothing but the best! Relax! Take a yoga class--or Tai Chi. (But, i am still going to check every morning!)
I think Blogging Without Obligation can be a very good thing.
And I'd like to piggyback on Mike B.'s comment and say I want to spend more creative time with you, too!
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