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mar's Desk

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Marcoujor: A Balancing Act

8/5/2015

16 Comments

 
Picturemarcoujor
I'm teaching an online course this summer on the subject of Holistic Health to nurses who are pursuing their Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degree.
 
The subject of self -care is incorporated in our discussion posts.  It goes without saying that nurses are not able to totally care for others until they practice the same strategies on themselves.
 
I've been asked by students and friends alike how I maintain my personal sense of balance in life.  In other words: "How do I get everything done on time? How do I have time for everything?"
 
As a nurse, I'm no stranger to critical analysis of most situations that I encounter - from the complex to the mundane.  Like it or not - it's how most of us in the healthcare fields are wired...!

In other words, is this 'you would not believe how perfect this project is for YOU and only YOU can do it justice...' project relevant, logical and significant in my life goals?

I'm forever amazed at how many projects, favors and other contributions of my time have been proposed through the years.
 
As such, I have become guarded, even selfish, with time.  Because I enjoy the way that I choose to spend my day - both personally and professionally - my 'work' as a nursing instructor feels more like a passion than a position.  
 
In all work and personal commitments:  

1. I have a calendar and prioritize my deadlines. I maintain ongoing communication for exceptions.

I know that different styles work for others. I derive a sense of peace from organization and I'm old fashioned in my methods. 
 
I am challenged to learn the capacity of systems such as Evernote and am open to improving my current 'notepad system in the raw'. 
 
Sounds simple, but it boils down to 'whatever works'. If I make a promise, I will keep it or give notice as to why not / with plan of correction offered.
 


2. I will not bite off more than I can chew regarding assignments / promises.

This becomes easier with each passing year. 
 
It used to be quite difficult for me to say 'no'. I placed extreme feelings of guilt on myself - to the point of becoming stretched quite thin at times.
 
Mom taught me 'there are only so many hours in a day'.  I'm teaching myself some of those hours must be preserved for ourselves and what we dream of pursuing. 
 
Every so often I work with a student who has enrolled in school at the wrong time in their lives. Reasons are varied including: stressful job; marital issues; family / child care issues; grief / loss / trauma. 
 
Adult education is exciting, yet not without its  potential stressors of time demands, technology snafus and mastery of unfamiliar content.  
 
In times of stress, adding a college course can be 'the straw that broke the camel's back'.  Self awareness and being gently honest with yourself is the best strategy. School will always be waiting for a time you are centered for learning.


3. My style is to plan ahead rather than back track. 

As I discover a goal in my life is to never be caught up (LOL), I'm finding this mindset works for me.
 
I look to tomorrow, actually as far ahead as feasible, for broad planning.  I jot ideas, goals, notes in calendars and notebooks as a 'brilliant' idea pops into my mind - as one never knows when these flashes of insight will strike...! 


So now I've shared my complicated and magical strategies with you...!
 
As for, "How do I get everything done on time?" 

My calendar rules.  I obey her every day.

And as far as, "How do I have time for everything?" 

I do what I signed on for.  Anything else is my pleasure and a sheer bonus...!

Oh and I build in some time for music - dancing is even better...can't resist a little Janelle Monae: "Tightrope":

Update on Mariah Fenton-Gladis, my mentor in Gestalt therapy...

I wanted to share a recent article about Mariah in Social Workers Speak out of National Association of Social Workers (NASW). 
 
Many of you have been asking about the status of the upcoming documentary about Mariah and this gives an update: Film to Chronicle Social Worker’s Ability to Live Life to the Fullest with ALS

Meanwhile in the Rest of Weeblyhood

  • Vinaya Ghimire: From Farming to Zen via WarnerWords

  • The Rustic Cupcake: Canning Jar Delicacies via flashPress




Until next week, wishing you peace, mar

16 Comments
Shauna
8/5/2015 03:47:03 am

Mar, keeping a schedule is so important when you have many obligations/priorities. Not biting off more than you can chew is vital in keeping your word. Something we learn as we grow older.

Thank you for sharing how you make life work for you. "Me" time has to be part of the schedule in order to avoid burn out. We all need down time no matter how old we are or what's going on in our lives.

Love you new head shot!

Reply
Maria link
8/6/2015 10:47:21 pm

Hi Sha,
Thanks for stopping by with your busy schedule and confirming my insights. I always appreciate your visits and you. Love, mar

Reply
Martie link
8/5/2015 06:00:38 am

Dearest Maria

You are a master when it comes to time management. The way you manage to finish many constructive projects at a time, is absolutely amazing. You are a role model for all of us. Thanks for sharing your rules.

Thanks, too, for the update about Mariah's upcoming documentary. She is an inspiration to all of us.

Lots of hugs to you,

Martie

Reply
Maria link
8/6/2015 10:48:54 pm

Dear Martie,
So happy to see you as well - and to share the latest on Mariah.
Hope you are having a wonderful week. Love and hugs, mar

Reply
Mike
8/5/2015 11:57:20 am

Hello Maria - There is no doubt in my mind that you overbook as a statedgy to get a lot done. You are busy, busy, busy with your students and your writing and that Andy fellow. But you make it work.

Thanks for sharing your calendar tip.

Reply
Maria link
8/6/2015 10:51:17 pm

Dear Mike,
You make me smile because that 'Andy fellow' has a way of keeping me off balance in the sweetest of ways...:)
As for 'making it work'...I thank you for that high praise, kind sir!

Reply
Gail Sobotkin
8/5/2015 09:05:11 pm

Dear Maria,
Thanks for sharing these tips about time management and the importance of goals and keeping a calendar to stay on schedule with projects.
You are truly an inspiration for prioritizing projects and keeping them running on track, but this past year I have been pleased to see you are also prioritizing "personal goals and 'me time' " for things that are most meaningful and important to you such as your Gestalt training.
Thanks for the update on Mariah. I know from seeing the trailer for the documentary, and also from having met her that the movie will be uplifting and inspiring.
Blessings,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
8/6/2015 10:54:12 pm

Dear Gail,
Thanks for this insightful comment. You realize that I hadn't always built 'me time' into the mix and it makes all the difference.
I agree that Mariah's documentary is going to be incredibly inspiring.
Love and hugs to you, Maria

Reply
femmeflashpoint link
8/6/2015 09:29:46 am

How's that for timing? (Grin!)

Amen to calendar rules. Mine too and thankfully it sends me reminders and buzzes me when I get off track.

And now with Win10, it's even easier and more fun to use. Yeah, I'll be on a new techno-high for at least a month with the latest upgrades, lol.

The chewing and biting bit gets the better of me now and then, but eating with chopsticks helps me keep things in seriously bite-sized portions. :)

femme

Reply
Maria link
8/6/2015 10:56:46 pm

Dear femme,
You are a role model of efficiency with your techno-tips. I am forever learning from you - thankful for your presence in my life.
Hope your week is going well. Love and hugs, mar

Reply
Vicki
8/6/2015 03:35:19 pm

Dear Maria,
You are a truly wonderful example of achieving orderliness in your life. Sadly I'm not anywhere near as disciplined, but it's really nice to have a goal to work towards.
I admire how you accomplish so much in your life. And I'm really happy to be a minuscule part of it.
Love and hugs

Reply
Maria link
8/6/2015 10:59:18 pm

Dear Vicki,
I happen to think you are most organized. We both come from the school of simplicity, managing to accomplish our goals and enjoy a balance of the other things in life we hold dear.
Love you much and have a peaceful day, mar

Reply
Rolly A. Chabot link
6/17/2017 06:42:06 pm

Hi Maria...
Thank you for the personal email and I am now even more impressed with all that you do. Teaching is an investment into another and hopefully you are able to remain connected with some of your students.... you amaze with the structure you have in time planning. The greatest gift we can give is allowing ourselves time for ourselves. Setting boundaries on what is expected of us is a healthy start... proud of you Mar... stay strong and know that you are dearly loved by many...

Hugs from Canada

Reply
Maria link
6/19/2017 04:53:24 pm

Thanks for visiting this older post, dear Rolly. Your recent post on the value of time reminded me once more how much we have in common.

I do love my students. Many keep in touch with me as they pass their State Boards, accept career challenges and even go on for advanced degrees.

Thank you for you sweet thoughts. Big hugs to you too, Maria

Reply
Cynthia Sageleaf link
6/19/2017 12:35:04 pm

Love this post. Love the balance you have set for yourself and the way in which you are gentle and honor your needs, too. Too often, we neglect ourselves - not in the 'I just went to the spa' sort of way, but in the 'I need to say no sometimes and I need to find balance.' The result is a society of people who feel they are not enough and don't do enough and are frazzled. This post speaks volumes to the balance - and self-care - we all need to survive and thrive. Lovely post! Sending hugs!

Reply
Maria link
6/19/2017 04:57:42 pm

Thanks for these validating remarks, dear Cynthia.

It took me a long while in life to find my peace and balance. You seem to be getting off to a much earlier start on this journey than I did and I am so proud of you for that.

Love you and have a wonderful evening, Maria

Reply



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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

    Pull up a comfy chair and make yourself at home.

    Thank you,

    mar  



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    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
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    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me