Originally Posted by
ccthomas
I like the phrase, "embrace yourself" as "life" knocked me hard (three special needs older teens/adults issues, husband's retirement and cancer) I found the life changes carried to all aspects of my life, even broken fingers - I became disorganized everywhere - my kitchen, as a teacher, every room in my home, my computer, and of course, quilting. In an attempt to become more organized, I ended up in three rooms, and even my bedroom. My sewing machine BROKE and could not be fixed. I GRIEVED. I look and felt like a hoarder or a Survivor in a MAJOR STORM. Needless to say, productivity became LOW and quilting HAPPINESS took a nose dive last year. It is important to take care of myself, to heal myself, and to "embrace" life's JOYS - quilting. Since the holiday break from teaching, I have started TAKING MY LIFE BACK - QUILTING. I know myself. I need to be in one room; LESS FABRIC STASH, LESS BOOKS. Donating to several groups have been helpful. I started too many projects - completion is important to me and learning to stay focused, to say NO to all those BLOCK OF THE MONTHS starting. I am only signed up for the 2013 CRAFTY class and this is GOOD.
As I have been cleaning out my computer, I came across the "Power of Ten" guide; I have this one printed and read it each day as I am taking better care of myself and "embracing ME."
THE POWER OF TEN
Judy Hall, Texas QuiltworksThe "Power of 10" in quilting is a simple way to complete those projects we want to finish.
- First, simply find the projects that you are no longer interested in completing and pass them on to someone who would love it as much as you once did.
- Second, list "10" projects that you would like to complete. Now remember "Only 10" projects are to be on the list.
- Third, begin working on the projects on the list and spend three hours toward completing it.
- Fourth, keep a list of projects and the hours worked.
- Fifth, once three hours are spent on a project move to the next. A quilter's interest wanes and is usually spent after three hours. Now if a project requires two to four hours it doesn't matter. Simply finish the project. Feel good about finishing it.
- Sixth, find another project and add it to the list. Remember, only Ten Projects are your focus.
- Seventh, continue to rotate the projects you are working on.
- Eighth step is to list the supplies needed to finish your projects.
- Ninth would be to shop at Texas Quiltworks (or your local quilt shop) for items to finish your projects. Local quilt shops need your support more than ever in today's economy.
- ...and Tenth, the 'Power of Ten' becomes reality when you are able to share your project. Be sure to share your quilt at guild meetings, quilt shops, family and friends. Remember by showing your finished project you are inspiring someone else to finish a project."
Carol,
I'm so sorry for all that has been happening in your life! My past 2 years have been pretty crummy too...I'd rather not go into much detail except to say that marriages can survive an affair but it's a LOT of hard work! During this I have also had much good going on in my life...the birth of 3 (yes 3) new grandchildren in 2 years is at the top of the happy list. I just decided that this year is the year to embrace myself...I've spent so much time and energy on others and honestly I know I still will but I NEED to spend time on me too and let the LORD do His work in others...
Thank you for sharing...
Diannia