Friday, October 21, 2011

priorities

Priorities.

Time management requires reservations or what I like to call a "schedule."
If we do not make a priority list or say no, things will surely be out of balance.

Preparing for a dinner party, one makes a menu and shops for the ingredients.
Time is set aside to actually prepare the meal and to set the table.

I love to be "prepped" for the weekend, spending time to shop, and bring home seasonal delights.
Nothing like chopping red cabbage and green cabbage to embrace October.
Making braised cabbage to share with friends and some yummy mashed potatoes and applesauce.
The health benefits of eating seasonally are on way up there on my priority list.
Baking some apple pie too for dessert.
When friends ask, how I do it.
I keep fairly simple lists in order of priority.
I try to do things in order of priority on my list and on a time clock.

A few years ago, I read on chez Larsson these valuable tips to Simplify 101;

1.  Prioritize, highest priority is first
2.  Say NO
3.  Strive for balance
4.  Avoid the buffet syndrome (which means you cannot have it all or do it all)

Learn to use the clock as your friend and schedule down time to relax.  What are some tips that help you to prioritize and feel balanced with your time.

artwork by terry wise studio

13 comments:

Unknown said...

These are the words for me to live by....
LOVE the way you prioritize and scheduled time for essentials like downtime and cooking!
Off to find some autumn work in my garden.....
Happy weekend, sweet friend!

Joyce said...

Wonderful words of wisdom! I was thinking of making apple butter to use the rest of the apples from apple picking. Enjoy your weekend my friend! xo

A.U.G. said...

Time management describes every minute of my collegiate experience-oh so well. If it weren't for planners and e-mail reminders I would be rather out of sorts.

The Buzz Blog said...

What a great way to start the weekend, PVE! Learning to say NO has been one of my priorities this year so that I can enjoy more of the NOW!
xxoo

Kwana said...

You are so good. I like to do little things first for a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep going.

julielorusso@gmail.com said...

I'm not there yet :)
This list is surely what I strive to do though.
Enjoy your fall weekend!

Formerly known as Frau said...

Love this....the more busier I am the better I am with my time. The change is having too much time and not using it wisely. I like this motto..
Have a wonderful weekend!

Diane said...

There is definitely an art to time management that should be appreciated...many smaller tasks involved in the process of almost everything we do. Very thoughtful post. Did you paint those pictures? Have a wonderful weekend!

Anonymous said...

Great way to manage time, I make lists and then tick off as I go. Love the sound of apple pie for pudding, mmmm.

24 Corners said...

I've always admired your ability as an artist, Patricia, to manage your time and doings so well, as I know first hand how the creative spirit's whims of fancy can tend to take over the other area's of life that deserve attention as well.
Zen Habit's has helped me tremendously when I need to regroup in this area...especially the 3 MIT (most important task) concept...three things to accomplish are always before me, whether large or small.
I don't schedule them though...and there's the rub!
Have a lovely weekend...
xo J~

Unknown said...

Patricia, first you have my mouth watering just thinking about these fall dishes. And mostly I really needed to read this little meditation on prioritizing. I have been saying YES to everything and I'm exhausted...I will think about what you wrote. Also, I wanted to thank you so very much for being an early supporter of On PCH. I really appreciate it! Have a wonderful weekend!

xo Mary Jo

pve design said...

Thanks to each of you for finding time to comment here. I am now running off to my daughter's soccer game after hosting knitting and then back later to finish some artwork. (work)
Happy weekend full of fun things and I do hope relaxing and recharging is at the top of the list.
pve

Karena said...

Patricia I am always in awe of all you accomplish!

Think of me this week as I am having a total hip replacement. hope to be up and running again soon!

Oh, Do come and enter my Designer Pillow Giveaway!! (Also a great resource)

xoxo
Karena

Art by Karena