Abstract light, Paris.
No doubt you're familiar with the expression "no good deed goes unpunished?" That's been the theme of the week for me. I've been so busy trying to complete projects for others, I've had little time to do my own work - or blog posts - I'd planned. It's a recurring pattern of behaviour for me, saying yes to multiple requests, when I should say no. What's frustrating - besides juggling too many balls in the air at once - is that all too often, the work I do to fulfill such favors is unappreciated. It leaves me feeling stressed and stretched too thin.
Something's got to give, so I'm streamlining my efforts and working only on those things that result either in personal satisfaction and/or monetary compensation; in better working and living conditions for those in need and education and/or justice and human rights. Ca suffit!
Will be back soon with current photos of my writing space for The Book Post. Here's what my desk looked like back in May 2006. Won't you submit a photo of your own writing space?
Paris Parfait at Etsy
My dear friend Di - she of the brilliant Designers' Block UK and stylish Ghost Furniture - has very kindly written a post about my new Etsy shop. Check it out; you never know what you may find, from one day to the next! Am still photographing and listing items daily. An Etsy link is in my sidebar. Merci bien!
I hope you'll stick to this resolution. I learned that some time ago, and I can tell you that you'll be much happier! xoxoxo
Posted by: Colette | 11 January 2010 at 19:11
Learn to say no... but, then do we feel we may miss out on life when so many good things come our way? I truly like my down time, however. I am finding it easier and easier to say no... It's my turn!! Damn it!! I realize at this moment that that is my New Year's Resolution.... This year, the year of the Big Blue Moon, the year of 2010.... I will take care of me! I am worth it! (and so are you!)
Posted by: MAWB | 09 January 2010 at 22:54
Hey you!!! I love your writing desk area from 2006. I'll submit a photo of my writing space too. But don't get too excited! lol
Say no, dammit. Just say no. Say yes to Jordan, no to everything else. ;)
Oh you know, monetary compensation IS good, it does enable one to say yes to more things. Until the Benjamins are rolling in, or the Francs? are rolling in I'd say, Talk to the hand people.
You must prioritize YOU.
xo
Posted by: Gillian | 09 January 2010 at 06:00
It is indeed difficult sometimes to say "NO" and do what makes your heart sing. Good luck doing so.
Posted by: Marilyn | 09 January 2010 at 02:00
Ahah! Too nice for your own good!! I'm glad to hear that you are taking care of yourself. You must. It's a brand new year and there's a great big world out there that needs you to be in it. Ah, don't get me started on desks. Last year, at some point, I cleaned my desk off by putting everything on top into a box to sort through later. I have yet to go back to it and now the desk, again, looks like I need another box. And I purposely purchased a small secretary to do the job. If it were bigger, it would just have more junk on it. Anyhoo, take care of yourself and I can't wait to see your photos. Cheers.
Posted by: Rosa | 09 January 2010 at 01:39
"No act of kindness goes unpunished" is the subtext of my life. I, too, get so worn out from my effort and the lack of gratitude at the other end that I want to scream. And sometimes I do!
I wish you much success with your streamlining approach. It sounds like one that I should adopt as well.
Posted by: ally bean | 09 January 2010 at 01:23
Tara,
It is so easy to do...isn't it? Over extend and then not appreciated on top of it all!!
Good ideas for the future. This image is stunning, abstract in itself and also looks like all those balls...juggling...
x...x
Posted by: Stephanie | 09 January 2010 at 01:20