Time Management: How do you do it?

[Julie Deane]

Hi Patricia -

I sure can relate! In fact, I was just journaling about this topic (again) this morning. Although my relationship issues are different: divorced with one college-aged son commuting to school and working part-time from home.

I'm learning that I have to set boundaries with him. In fact, I just informed him today that if he wants me to pick up anything for him at the store, that I only plan to go shopping on Fridays. It's a good boundary for me, too, so that I don't waste time.

The next boundary I need to set is what times I will actually be in the studio. If I don't do that, I find that the more insistant stuff gets done first. I plan to let my son know those hours, too, and post them outside my studio.

I've decided that I will do what I can and quit the fretting. I will not be as good an artist personally if I am worrying where my next meal is coming from, so quitting my job is not an option for me. (Plus I like my job - it fulfills a different aspect of my personality).

I'll probably never be a big-name artist, but what is more important to me - to enjoy my life and my art or to go half-crazy because I can't fulfill all the demands I put on myself? Today I am choosing balance. I'll do what art/business things I can and leave the results in God's hands.