Do you have personal proverbs that guide your life? (Or perhaps there are adages that irritate you?) My dad constantly told me, as well as my brother and sister, (and probably my mom) that we should always be doing something constructive...and that we must finish what we start.
These sayings certainly have shaped my life. But, maybe not always in a good way! If/when I don't finish something, I shoulder a bundle of guilt and carry it around until I get that project that is nagging me completed.
As a quilter and crafter, I have many UFO's - unfinished objects. See the two stacks of bins on the bottom of my shelves? Those are just some of my projects-in-waiting! There are more projects scattered elsewhere in different stages of completion... as well as pictures with ideas for projects on my phone, and my head is full of ideas as well!
For some twisted reason, in my mind, I have decided that my dad would feel that sitting and reading a book is not constructive use of my time. Therefore, I find it extremely difficult to enjoy reading during the day! Well, it's not just the constructive thing weighing in, I also just see so many things around me that I want to do! Just yesterday I was raking up some leaves and cleaning up my back garden. As I swept the pea gravel off the stepping stones I realized that the large stone was begging to be made into a compass rose! Bam! Another constructive thing to add to my list!
Several years ago I began "reading" audio books and that has made a huge difference for me. I, too, had a problem sitting and reading during the day. Now I read about 100 books a year and am always listening... in the car, in my garden, while sewing, in the evening while my husband watches sports. I love it. And, yes, I think a compass rose will look beautiful on the stone. :)
ReplyDeleteLike you I also listen to books, and like you I listen just about anytime I'm doing something else; driving, gardening, walking the dohgs, etc
DeleteAudiobooks are about the best invention for readers! I always have one going when I'm driving, and when I'm home alone doing chores. I much prefer to listen to a book than put on a TV show.
DeleteThat compass would be lovely on the stone! Reading is one of the things I do not feel guilty (much) about. I've always been a voracious reader, and I finally learned how to balance my guilt at "doing nothing" with my desire to read. Mostly, it's just making sure the dishes are done, then I can sit to read, lol.
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