What the world needs now [laramie]

You're viewing

laramie's journal
Create a Dreamwidth Account Learn More

Reload page in style: site light

←

→

The other day I made a partial list of my never-ending monster list of creative projects.

For a long time now I've felt overwhelmed by the list, and now that I'm seeing it in more perspective, it's apparent that it's not *just* the list. It's the list *plus* the continuing round of Infrastructure Maintenance Procedures (daily upkeep, women's work: cleaning, shopping, cooking, laundry and other errands) PLUS the growing sense of urgency about saving the world from pandemic, civil unrest, a growing fascistic threat and climate crisis. How can I focus on creative projects when the world is on fire?

No the heck wonder I've been feeling overwhelmed. Who *doesn't* feel overwhelmed? What is your secret?

←

→

There are 7 comments on this entry. (Reply.)

I only feel overwhelmed some of the time. If I had to claim to have a secret, I would say it is budgeting, both of time and money. I am also sometimes good at focusing on one thing intensely and ignoring the other problems. This sometimes breaks the budget, but is better than being unable to do anything. It's only sometimes, though, and I wish I could switch it on and off at will.

[link] [reply]

That makes sense. I used to be better at focusing intently on one thing at a time. I may (shudder) have to exercise some discipline in regards to the distractions that have been interfering lately.

[link] [parent] [reply]

I always feel overwhelmed. Eventually, it's an even state and I'm used to it.

Extinction level events are pretty common on this planet. This is at least the sixth.

The world has always been on fire, and we needed art before, so we still need art. The fascists will lose. The only two outcomes possible are that everyone loses, or just they lose. there is no outcome where they win.

Edited Date: 2020-09-02 12:49 am (UTC)

[link] [reply]

This is my first extinction level event. I appreciate your confidence that the fascists will lose.

I need to find a balance between ignoring them completely so that I can focus on creative work, and paying enough attention that my creative works address the world that includes them.

[link] [parent] [reply]

My secret is I have given myself permission to not care about anything outside my house for at least twelve hours a day. And I don't mean only when I'm asleep. I do not watch the news, I do not read the newspaper (I skim it), I do not doom scroll on any social media, I relentlessly mute, block or unfollow anyone who cannot stop themselves from serving up all the bad news they know. I keep my house in order but I don't worry if I go shopping on Monday instead of Sunday; I have permission to Not Do Things if I am feeling overwhelmed or panicky. And I don't let myself feel bad if I just can't be creative. No guilt. These are tough times and they aren't ending soon. It's necessary to take the long view.

I am orderly about how I spend my time and energy on trying to save the world. It helps. Otherwise I am Chicken Little.

[link] [reply]

I have been doing way too much doom-scrolling. Clearly I need to wean myself off this and some of my other distractions.

[link] [parent] [reply]

I really like your priorities. My own are: read the morning news. Go out and weed until the stress wears off or it gets too hot, whichever comes first. Do creative projects immediadately thereafter while still under the influence of weed pulling meditation.

[link] [parent] [reply]

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
						1 1
2	3	4 1	5	6	7	8
9	10	11	12	13	14 1	15
16	17	18	19	20	21	22
23	24	25	26	27	28	29
30	31

laramie

What the world needs now

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

March