Happy Friday my lovely readers! TGIF for sure. I’ve been really busy with work…and as I typed that, I realize that it’s probably redundant to say “I’ve been busy.” Aren’t we always busy? Aren’t we always occupied doing something or another? As I pondered the issue of never having enough time and being busy, I was reminded of Parkinson’s Law from my project management days. It says that work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion and it’s so darn true!
If you give someone a deadline, they hopefully will make it by the deadline, but it’s not often they complete it early. Given the guideline, we somehow spend all the time we’ve been given, if not more! I certainly know from personal experience that it’s much easier to go over than under in work hours. The point is that if we don’t give ourselves the limits on time and set those goals, it’s just not going to happen in the end. We all need some kind of time management…otherwise time just flutters on by…
I know there are people who can’t stand schedules or routines. They live off the excitement of diving deep into projects when needed and then going through a period of rest to revive themselves afterwards. I venture to say that they are the exceptions. I’ve done it before and lived that lifestyle…it’s sucks! At least, I don’t enjoy it and can live without the “adrenaline.” I would rather not put myself or my family through that kind of lifestyle. I realized that we seem to be better creatures with routines. Perhaps we were made to be that way…if we want our bodies to keep going, longer and better?
When we start a routine, we seem not to notice that time has passed, but the work gets done in the end. I did a little experiment a while back deciding to draw a bird a day. Little sketches, nothing major and definitely really ugly certain days. I started on March 9 and suddenly it’s already May and I’ve got a whole bunch of birdies under my belt. It’s been a really great exercise and I am so glad to have started and accomplished so much. Others might have done daily paintings, 365 photos, morning pages, etc – it’s all about routine and giving yourself that bit of structure. From all the various methods I’ve tried to impose on myself while working at home, this little morning routine has proven to be the easiest, most effortless and most consistent and fruitful looking back. Interesting indeed. Maybe we just have to break up all our tasks into daily routines, a bit at a time and it’ll all work out in the end? Will I be more efficient in the end?
Hmm…something to think about this weekend. If you want to see more of my daily birds, check out my Flickr set and scroll to the bottom. I’ve started to digitize some as digital stamps as well. It’s fun and oddly relaxing at the same time. I wonder how long I can keep this up and if I should switch to something non-birdie eventually? Well, hope you have a great weekend and to all mommies out there – and early Happy Mother’s Day! You are fabulous, we appreciate you and we all love you. Thank you. 
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8 Comments
I love your little birdies! They make me smile:) I have found that I need a flexible routine/schedule. I do start my day with morning pages. Sometimes I try to get out of it, but I know that if I don’t do it, then I will feel out of sorts and not accomplish as much during the day as I hope.
Thanks so much, Bobbi! It’s interesting how we need freedom and structure at the same time for it to balance out. Thanks for sharing your routine
I love your idea of having a routine! These birdes are sooo cute and they made me smile too! Love them.
I notice too that i always have to give myself deadline and set some goals to accomplish a project. Thanks so much for sharing! Hope you had a good mother’s day weekend! Here’s to a good week ahead. Love to you!
Hi Jacqueline, thanks so much! It’s fun creating a little sketch-a-day…baby steps! Makes it seem much more effortless.
Hi Linda,
I agree. A routine helps so much! Since starting CED2010, I have filled a blank book with little creations and am making progress on a second. Without that routine, I would have done nothing. It has also helped me get into a routine with exercise as well.
Your birdies are charming. I am also really enjoying your posts on your journals as well.
A toast to baby steps!
Yes, I really love the Creative EveryDay challenge as well…that little bit really makes a difference for the day. Routines become sort of effortless…haha…thanks for stopping by!
Hi!
I found your Daily Birds on Flickr! I wanted to do the same for a while and you give me that last kick in the *** to start!
Of course, it’s not going to be a Daily Bird! I asked my Boyfriend what animal I look like, his answer: “a meerkat – small, funny, sweet and a little special”.
Thanks!
I put a link to your blog on mine!
LiesbethC
Thank you so much – I am very honored! I do miss doing the daily birds…the routine was a great way to get creative no matter how I felt. I agree it doesn’t have to be so specific – daily anything would be great
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[...] Art Every Day Month 1 Another year and another November of Art Every Day Month… you can join into the fun here. I’ve decided to do little ATC drawings. Something approachable that I can keep up with. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do daily, like when I did for my daily bird drawings… [...]