Avoiding Overwhelm

This week, one of our Muse Time SiStars asked about avoiding overwhelm,  as she works toward completion. 

What a good inquiry!  It can help to dance between the Easy Wins, and your more challenging tasks, and to pace yourself. And - breathe!  You've got this! 

You may wish to choose one or two assignments to focus on a day/week, perhaps a set timer (20-45 minutes) then take a break. Pull out a calendar,  and schedule time to spend with your Muse. 

Yesterday I took part in a friend's group EFT tapping session on business, and one of the inquiries was around being successful - what fears arose when we thought of having more clients? 

We taped around being busier, and that it's  ok to set boundaries as well as intentions! The leader shared that she liked talking trine to meditate and enjoy her coffee in the morning, (morning cafe!) She decided not to take appointments earlier than 9:30 - and that her business increased after setting that boundary! 

Look for places similar ideas interface, and group or cross reference them - What are some of the themes that arose in your story cards and medicine basket - do some work together and suggest a class?  

As you work on your Menu of Offerings , jot down ideas for what you want to include in different classes.

Mermaid: shells on the altar, a ritual of blessing water, maybe allies or treasures from the sea, ocean sounds or tmusic ... (etc)

I sometimes make a little booklet or card or two for a class theme; you may wish to start a "future class and workshop" file!

As you work toward completion, be sure to celebrate as you make headway and complete assignments! Every step takes you closer to your goal. 

Reset

Muses light fuses! 
What has your muse been whispering? Mine seems to have been on a bit of a sabbatical this year - I wish we could say we've been somewhere fun!! I've led my monthly circles, but only taught a few classes, and painting has been sporadic as well. As I feel into my piece of the thread, I pull out the new 18 month daybook/calendar I got this fall, and jot down notes.

What's your process for organization? When I began my CoW quest, I found a little red

Vision flower

checkbook style calendar at the dollar store, and entered each month's assignments in the notes at the bottom of the page, in addition to marking quest time each week. It was fulfilling to check them off, or Tune into what I needed to do to finish. I'm someone who can tend to procrastinate, and push deadlines, so it was often tight! i also like to play with Color and make plans in a less linear way, like this vision flower.

As you enter the next leg of your quest, I invite you to consider a reset.
 As we often did between paintings, this is a good time to clear and reset your altar, hang a different piece of art on the wall, set out a new candle. Choose a story card and place it on the altar. Spend some time in your studio, making it easier to work in. Sweep the floor, organize supplies, make a list of ones you need. Do you have enough light? A cozy chair for cafe and journaling? A place to sit "at least 5 feet back" from your painting/s? 

One of my periodic practices is calling council with my paintings! Like getting information from an individual lady, I set paintings around me, and invite their wisdom. I got a small journal to record these messages from my quest paintings and other ladies, for a dose of inspiration when I need it! 

For this next phase of your quest, you'll be setting your own time line, so this is a great time to take stock. Do you need a new calendar and/or art journal?  What Insights about your journey have come in?

What do you still need to compete? Are some almost done? Are any of those "good enough" already? 
Are they in the Color of Woman file on your computer? Have you offered your RT circles and 13 step class? You may want to rank your "to do" list by ease of competing, and alternate easier with more challenging tasks. 

Here are some ideas for a reset:

• Reset your studio and altar
• Refresh your Supply list (watch for sales, add add items to your wish list)
• Get a new calendar and schedule time each week/month for CoW
• Spend some time with your journal, process and inspiration

• Set goals and time frame for completion
• Prioritize assignments to write up and check off 
• Call Council with your ladies
• Revisit your Future Teacher visioning, has something changed?

• Choose a story card for your altar each week
• Revisit your vision plan book for ideas, contacts, 
• Connect with an Accountability buddy 

Tugging on the Red Thread, you've got this!