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mar's Desk

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marcoujor: A Balancing Act

5/23/2018

16 Comments

 
Picture
I've decided to resurrect some 'oldies but goodies' as I re-publish some favorite posts from up to four years ago for the next forSEEable future...

​As I contemplated my life balance over the next couple months, I reminded myself that a repeat / rerun does not have to be a bad thing. In fact, I am usually able to gain new insights from reading something a second time.

​I also appreciate how my reading audience has grown. As such, this timeless post may be brand new to you.

Thanks for reading, sharing and understanding if my replies to your wonderful comments are delayed a bit and on the brief side.

The subject of self -care is incorporated into most every class I teach.  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"...​

ShoutOuts

☙ Our Garden--A Slideshow via Martie’s Foyer
☙ No Rockin’ Chairs--Just Rockin’ On! Via WarnerWords
☙ FarmaCOPEia: Banana Blitz! Via flashPress

Until next time, be good to you...

​mar
16 Comments
Verlie Burroughs
5/23/2018 07:22:57 am

Once again mar, thanks for the reminder, and insight, and the fabulous Janelle Monae. Great with a coffee as I take a little time for 'me' this morning lol.

Reply
Maria link
5/29/2018 07:28:23 pm

Hoping Weebly finally allows me to leave a comment thanking you for your visit, dear Verlie.

Reply
Peg Cole link
5/23/2018 09:00:36 am

Another insightful glimpse into your time management skills. Thanks for sharing this important lesson of balance. Hugs.

Reply
Maria link
5/29/2018 07:29:48 pm

My pleasure - thanks for your patience with my response, Peg.

Reply
Mike
5/23/2018 11:40:10 am

Of course I never heard of Janelle Monae. I will do a google search, I am sure I have seen commercials for an organization that donates socks to sockless people.

Organizing time can be tricky. You seem to have mastered the art.

Reply
Maria link
5/29/2018 07:31:13 pm

Thanks, Mike - time management is tricky at best - your feedback is appreciated,

Reply
Shauna
5/23/2018 12:41:58 pm

Mar, I find time management is easy if I carry out the steps of the task from start to finish before moving on to the next. This is what I do at work. As the result, tho, I end up with time on my hands where I have to look busy. It's those times I wish I could just take some "me" time. But I actually give myself plenty of that on weekends and through the week after work. I've gotten pretty selfish with my "me" time in my old age!

Reply
Maria link
5/29/2018 07:36:02 pm

Good for you, dear Sha.

You have worked hard though the years and deserve every moment of 'you time' possible.

Thanks for your visit. Love you lots, mar

Reply
Angelia link
5/26/2018 08:27:31 pm

Prof. Mahreer,

I'm with you on minimizing stress and irons in the fire, when possible. My calendar rules as well and before Google Calendar and Task List, I had an elaborate version of Filofax thst was indispensable. I kinda miss Filofax. 😊

Reply
Maria link
5/29/2018 07:44:22 pm

Yeah...I can finally leave a comment thanking you for your visit, dear Ange.

Thanks for your efforts to speed Weebly up in rectifying this exasperating situation - you are wonderful. Hugs, mar

Reply
Cynthia
5/29/2018 07:33:32 pm

Sweet Mar,

I hope you're well. I have had some trouble commenting over at your blog (probably just some website gremlins making their way through, haha). So that I don't "lose" the comment, I thought I'd email it to you instead. :) 

I understand what it means now to say no and to have boundaries. I'm getting better at enforcing my boundaries. Like your mom said, there are only so many hours in the day and you really have to prioritize for your goals and intentions and what you want out of this life. You are a shining example to your students and to others around you about what it means to find balance in your life. I mean it when I say that your students are so fortunate to have you as their teacher and mentor. You really have a gift and it's apparent.

Sending you hugs on this Wednesday!
xoxo
-Cynthia

Reply
Maria link
5/29/2018 07:47:11 pm

Dear Cynthia,

Thanks for being the first of my friends to let me know of the inability to leave a comment - this situation actually lasted close to a week... :(

Glad you have mastered the art of setting boundaries. You are inspirational to me in so many ways. Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Sannel
5/29/2018 08:10:57 pm

Dear Maria.

I hope all is well with you two. I just wanted you to know that it seems that Weebly is having some problems.

When I finally got around to leaving a comment on your latest post, it didn't let me. It's been going on for a few days. Hopefully, it will be resolved soon.

Take good care of yourself now.

Stay safe and enjoy Summer, my beautiful friend.

Love you!
Hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
5/29/2018 08:13:13 pm

Thanks to you for your loyalty and patience, dear Sannel. Sorry that Weebly has been giving us such a difficult time.

Hoping you and Freddie are having a sunny and fun week.

Love you both and hugs, Maria

Reply
Crystal Y. Brown
6/8/2018 11:56:43 am

Maria,
Just had some time to read your post.
Honestly it was just what I needed.
Even with being retired I still realize I
need planning and order. You can't be
available for everyone you must prioritize and schedule as needed.
Thanks for sharing that which was needed for me. Thanks,Much Love ❤
Crystal

Reply
Maria link
6/14/2018 05:31:14 am

So good to see you here, Crystal. Your point is well taken - time management is important at any phase in our lives.

Love you and see you soon,
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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  • BOOK SHOP
    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
  • BLOGS
    • mar's Desk
    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me