A post over at writer buddy, Jenn Mattern’s site, had me thinking about one I’ve been kicking around.
Ever notice how shifting priorities changes what once seemed insurmountable?
As many of you know, I am training for my 8th Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for the Cure. I used to live three blocks from the ocean in beautiful San Diego. So, most of the time, the training weather was sublime.
Then I moved to Boise, Idaho.
Typical Boise summer weather includes temperatures in the 100s. Last year I used that as an excuse to skip training walks. I didn’t want to walk in the early (cooler) mornings because the morning is my prime time for writing.
But, this year a strange thing happened.
I decided, no matter what, I was going to get in those training walks.
- I walk in the morning when it’s cooler
- I get just as much work done
- And sometimes more
All because I shifted priorities.
Putting You First
A common complaint with writers is the lack of time to do their own projects.
- We put our books aside
- Our web design on the back burner
- Our dreams on hold
I am certainly guilty of that.
It makes me wonder.
- Are my projects any less important?
- Does it mean I can’t take the heat?
- What if I shifted priorities?
In my head, I know – it’s all in my head. We can do anything we want, as long as we make it a priority. As I told Jenn, I’d lay down on a psychiatrist’s couch, but I’d probably just fall asleep.
I found a way to beat the heat. Surely, I can find the time.
How about you?
Do you need to shift priorities?
Hi Cathy,
How fitting, I changed my priorities a bit today myself.
My motivator was found in deep meditation. Stillness always provides me with a deeper glimpse into why I’m here, and it usually has little to do with what my ego says on the topic.
I felt a strong shift in my duty, set a different intent and now my priorities have shifted.
Thanks for sharing with us Cathy!
Ryan
Hi Ryan: That’s great that you are so tuned into the “why.” Some of us are more of a work in progress. 🙂
Thanks for sharing, Ryan!
Love the new perspective on perspective, Cathy! 🙂
I decided to look at my health habits like drinking coffee. I noticed I had a big drop of energy in the afternoon when I drank too much and have been weaning myself from it. As much as I love coffee it was affecting my work performance and my health. The shift in perspective came from realizing that I have a goal to help a lot of people and needed the energy to do it.
Hi Sherrie! Isn’t it great to have these discoveries? Here I thought my training would take too much energy & time and I often feel even more productive.
Thanks for sharing, Sherrie.
I think health should be our ultimate priority. I am glad you made your morning walk a priority. I always say that exercise is like a free insurance policy. Without our health the other goals and priorities become irrelevant.
Danny: You are so right and with 30+ years in health care and insurance, you’d think I’d be better at practicing what I preach. 🙂 Sometimes we just need the right inspiration. For me, that’s the 3-Day Walk for Breast Cancer. Whatever the motivation, you are right about the priority of health.
Thanks for stopping by.
Nice shift in priorities, Cathy. 🙂
I need to do the same. I have my writing work organized, but my yoga and exercise time has taken a hit.
Hi Lori: Now if I can just get that shift to my personal writing projects. 🙂 Steps-baby steps…