Quiet Time, Tasks and Distractions

It’s been a hectic and extremely loud morning. I haven’t had one second to myself. Nothing has been going smoothly, whether it was planned or not. 

 Now it is 2 pm. The magic hour. It took a long time for my granddaughters to close their eyes for their nap, but thankfully, they are asleep now. At least, I think they are.  

Wait! Shhh. Listen. I hear that beautiful sound of silence. 

I’ve retreated to my office and taken a few deep breaths. Once again, I appreciate that beautiful sound of no sound except for the gentle hum of the dryer. (Laundry is the most therapeutic part of my day.)

This moment is the absolute perfect time to write. I can hear my own thoughts. I can plan what I want to say. 

I’m happily clicking along on the keyboard when it happens. I’ve stopped typing, opened my phone,  and begun researching a better-sounding phrase or word. I searched for synonyms and other articles similar to the idea I wanted to express. Then, a text message pops up from a friend. I reply. I received a notification that a fellow writer commented on last week’s post. I respond,  decide to read their latest post, and then check my email while I’m at it.

 I check my social media feed. I take a moment to recognize a friend's birthday and scroll to see if I’ve missed any other new events. I remember that I needed a new spatula; I ordered that, plus a few other things that Amazon has kindly reminded me of.

It is now more than an hour and a half later. Incoming purchases, three; total outgoing articles, zero.

The girls will wake up shortly, and I berate myself for being so distracted and accomplishing so little once again. I wish I had that hour back to write, journal, or even read another chapter in my book. 

What would I want to do at home if I had all the time in the world and knew I could complete whatever I set out to do IN ONE DAY?  

• Complete two posts/articles. 

• Write 1500 words for my book 

• Strength training/stretching for 30 minutes

• Walk outside in nature for 30 minutes to an hour

• Take pictures on my walk

• Meditate for 10 minutes (sounds pretty simple; why doesn’t it ever happen?) 

• Figure out how to use my new camera lens for the eclipse in April

• Declutter my closet (or bathroom, or office, or garage, or pick a room) 

• Go through old family pictures, organize and label 

• Listen to an inspirational podcast or two while decluttering

• Eat a healthy lunch and dinner 

That's probably plenty for one day, right? Believe me, I can always come up with more. I'm kind of crazy that way. Even for me, this list is a bit much for quiet time. 

What would your one-day list look like?

If I was completely undisturbed, woke up at 6 am, and laser-focused till 9 pm, there is no way I’d get all of this done. I’ve got to eat, so the last bullet point is a given, but I’ve listed ten other tasks. If I completed three, I’d be happy. 

The best use of time is often to eliminate items on the to-do list instead of adding more. Prioritize what is important for today only. 

Why do I expect more of myself than is physically possible? Why do I beat myself up for being unproductive and distracted? After all, I’m not a machine. 

 Don’t I need some time to do nothing? Or shop? Or learn a new word? Or (gasp!) watch a movie? 

In the past, I would write down three must-dos for each new day and feel accomplished when I completed them. I got out of that habit somewhere along the line, probably because I didn’t complete the tasks too many times in a row.

The lack of a checkmark or highlighter on my to-do list is very humiliating.

Still, I believe I should cut myself a break, at least occasionally. It isn’t that I don’t get anything done; I do. 

 The house is clean if you don’t look in the closets, drawers, or garage. The laundry is always caught up. I post an article at least once a week. I love to spend quality time with my family. I care for my granddaughters at least two full days every week. 

I keep in touch with my friends. I exercise often, try to eat healthily, get enough sleep, and care for myself. I read. I listen to self-development podcasts and videos. I like to learn new things and go to places I’ve never been. I like photography and sometimes technology. I like to paint. I look for ways to be grateful. They aren’t hard to find. 

When I have taken the time to meditate, my goal is to focus on the moments that I become aware of being distracted. I have wandered off mentally when I start thinking about what’s for dinner, what happened last weekend, or what I need to do next. 

As I have heard repeatedly, it doesn’t matter how often you become distracted while meditating; “gently acknowledge that, return your focus to the present moment,  and begin again.” I refocus on my mantra, breath, visualization, or phrase until the next distraction. 

 Distractions happen. Often. 

So, in addition to my family, friends, and others, it appears that I need to show myself more of that love and care. I will practice being more aware of the present moment more often. And yes, I have told myself that before. I'll begin again. 

It is all good as long as I have consciously acknowledged that I’ve left my writing and any possible thinking about writing and am now ordering a seemingly necessary spatula. Like meditation, I can focus on my breath, return to my document, and begin again.

…and then my neighbor starts revving up his leaf blower, full volume, non-stop. Breathe. Begin again. 

There is nothing wrong with answering an email or text, wishing a friend a Happy Birthday,  ordering on Amazon,  or watching a movie if that is what you intentionally want to do. These things only become frustrating when you intend to do something completely different, and you aren't actually doing that, like writing, for instance. 

I must finish what I set out to do and see it through till the end. That has been a lifelong struggle.  

If you, dear reader, also find yourself disappointed that you did not complete what you set out to do this week, today, or even in the past hour, please be kind to yourself.  

You are aware that you are aware of distractions. It is ok. 

Breathe. And begin again. Every time you do, you will strengthen that muscle to focus and to be more present. 

I’ll be practicing being mindful along with you. It is a practice. Perfection is not required. 

It is all about the journey. Safe travels, my friend. 

Thank you for reading!

Keep smiling!

xx