Work continues, but reporting does not. And I'm perfectly fine with that, because I don't want to get into the habit of switching work time for blog time. Not right now, at least, when there is still so much to do and not all the time in the world in which to do it all.
Suffice to say that the speeches are moving along and I am happy with how they are going. Am successfully managing interruptions, and paying attention to books and other ideas instead of leaving them to flounder on their own and then attacking myself for ignoring them.
So, back to it. Later!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Day 10: Interruptions be damned!
Steady progress came to a complete halt today with several interruptions and a few tasks that simply would not be deterred. Okay, yes, so I could have put them off, but commitments that they were required me to act accordingly.
As well, hearts are broken with the devastating news of deadly flooding in Queensland. Not my home state, but my country and my roots, and it's shocking to bear witness from a distance and be served details on a regular basis such that we can only stand and weep.
It's enough to make one stop working altogether and wonder how those poor buggers are faring. The least I can do is stay true to my course, and maybe then be able to offer my voice and my pen in ways that are meaningful and true.
Interruptions be damned! You will not have your natural impact for long.
As well, hearts are broken with the devastating news of deadly flooding in Queensland. Not my home state, but my country and my roots, and it's shocking to bear witness from a distance and be served details on a regular basis such that we can only stand and weep.
It's enough to make one stop working altogether and wonder how those poor buggers are faring. The least I can do is stay true to my course, and maybe then be able to offer my voice and my pen in ways that are meaningful and true.
Interruptions be damned! You will not have your natural impact for long.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Day 6: Clear the path
One of the disadvantages of freelance work is having to take care of the business side of things. The bills, follow-up phone calls, returned communications, appointment making, and incidental tasks. Yes, even while on sabbatical.
Such tasks are essential to success and simply have to get done, but they can become distractions and be easily overlooked if you let them.
So today, I didn't let them. I took care of them and crossed them off my list so I could clear the path and get back to business.
Check and check. Nice!
Such tasks are essential to success and simply have to get done, but they can become distractions and be easily overlooked if you let them.
So today, I didn't let them. I took care of them and crossed them off my list so I could clear the path and get back to business.
Check and check. Nice!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Day 5: Draft this!
Another successful day, with many new discoveries.
A scheduled hour a day reading gives me plenty of time to get lost in and move through a fantastic book. And when that hour starts off my work day, it sets the tone for what is to come.
A scheduled hour a day editing one of my writing projects, especially after an hour of reading, surprises me with how easily it flows.
And then the main course - working on my speeches. The biggest discovery so far is how naturally they are all coming together. Yes, been a long journey to this point, and a great deal of acceptance on my part, but the result is more than a little inspiring.
Now that the primary, and in one case secondary, drafts are done, it's on to the next stage.
A scheduled hour a day reading gives me plenty of time to get lost in and move through a fantastic book. And when that hour starts off my work day, it sets the tone for what is to come.
A scheduled hour a day editing one of my writing projects, especially after an hour of reading, surprises me with how easily it flows.
And then the main course - working on my speeches. The biggest discovery so far is how naturally they are all coming together. Yes, been a long journey to this point, and a great deal of acceptance on my part, but the result is more than a little inspiring.
Now that the primary, and in one case secondary, drafts are done, it's on to the next stage.
Day 4: Let me just say this
For some people, TV is an enormous waste of time and a huge distraction. However, I find it a useful tool for thinking and writing, creating and exploring.
The internet and all its various playthings? Not so much, and I've learned the value of ignoring them, other than scheduled check-ins twice a day.
It's amazing how much work I get done when I use the TV as a creative tool. I turn it off when I am reading - as in quietly from a book, or loudly while editing one of my projects - and when I am rehearsing - as in a speech or a "let me hear how that truly sounds" moment.
The projects I am currently focusing on for this sabbatical are diverse and exciting, and I need a multitude of media to make it all work for me.
So, let me just say this to all those who consider TV an enormous waste of time ... there is a lot of junk out there, but if you plan your viewing to match what you are doing, you might surprise yourself - as I did - at not only how much you get done, but how well it works when you do turn the TV off.
The internet and all its various playthings? Not so much, and I've learned the value of ignoring them, other than scheduled check-ins twice a day.
It's amazing how much work I get done when I use the TV as a creative tool. I turn it off when I am reading - as in quietly from a book, or loudly while editing one of my projects - and when I am rehearsing - as in a speech or a "let me hear how that truly sounds" moment.
The projects I am currently focusing on for this sabbatical are diverse and exciting, and I need a multitude of media to make it all work for me.
So, let me just say this to all those who consider TV an enormous waste of time ... there is a lot of junk out there, but if you plan your viewing to match what you are doing, you might surprise yourself - as I did - at not only how much you get done, but how well it works when you do turn the TV off.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Day 3: Bring on tomorrow
Okay, okay! I know I should have, but I didn't. Instead, spent the day watching the Lord of the Rings. The entire trilogy, extended version. The only way to round out the last day before an intense few weeks crafting the written word into something wonderful. It was great seeing our friends again after so many years contemplating this moment. Throughout it all, we shed tears, sent up cheers, and held some fears for our own world that on some days and in many ways seems to have gone completely mad. May a new fellowship light our way and lighten our hearts during our own journey in pursuit of peace, love and freedom for all.
And now I am ready. Bring on tomorrow!
And now I am ready. Bring on tomorrow!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Day 2: A welcome sidestep
Research. A full day of it. In ways that were both unexpected and incredibly insightful. Can't wait to continue this tomorrow, and then get stuck into the nitty gritty on Tuesday.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Day 1: And so it begins
Here we are on day one of the official last days of my year-long sabbatical. A plan set toward success that, although periodically beset by random distractions and time substitutions, has seen me, for the most part, stay the course on a new professional track. "To where?" you may ask. Well, let's just say that words will have a lot to do with it, if all goes the way I want.
However, it may all be for naught if I don't successfully navigate January with intent and purpose and a 100% commitment. As much fun as a sabbatical is, you do need to have something to show at the end of it, or run the risk of it being interpreted by some as an excuse to apparently do nothing much for a declared amount of time.
Not that I am easily deterred by what some might think - not now, anyway. It's all about what I can make happen, so stay tuned as I forge ahead.
And it all starts with getting a good night's sleep. Hmmm. Guess I should have thought of that last night. Oh well. Better late than never. And there are still 30 days to go ....
However, it may all be for naught if I don't successfully navigate January with intent and purpose and a 100% commitment. As much fun as a sabbatical is, you do need to have something to show at the end of it, or run the risk of it being interpreted by some as an excuse to apparently do nothing much for a declared amount of time.
Not that I am easily deterred by what some might think - not now, anyway. It's all about what I can make happen, so stay tuned as I forge ahead.
And it all starts with getting a good night's sleep. Hmmm. Guess I should have thought of that last night. Oh well. Better late than never. And there are still 30 days to go ....