stepping away
Last week, when the thought of hanging washing on the line seemed like a novelty, I decided it was time to turn off the computer and step away for a few days.
Just like in Autumn I was feeling overwhelmed and exhausted and perhaps a little sad. One month of intense work coupled with far too many deadlines and I was typing in my sleep. So when the stories were complete and the last email was sent I literally unplugged my computer. I pottered about for a few days without the nagging distraction of work and I grounded myself.
I sat on the floor in the children’s rooms and sorted through too-small-clothes and baskets of wooden blocks. I washed new linens and made the beds, hung paintings and pictures and stacked books on the shelf. I swept the balcony, potted seedlings and planned a vegie garden with my dad. I read the printed word and watched a few movies.
I fell asleep early with Poet still feeding and then rose with the sun to make breakfast and drink tea. The next day I watched my little girl take her first steps, her wonderful mop of wild curls bouncing. I didn’t take photos – I just took it all in.
My days have been slow and purposeful and I’m grateful for the space. Right now the fan is whirring, the white sheets are drying and there’s ice water in lieu of tea. The hammock beckons….
Glad you were able to find peace and quiet in stepping away for a bit, it can be so freeing. x
It's great to take a few days to smooth out the feathers. Good to have you back though.
Poet took her first steps?! How lovely, Jodi! What a wonderful milestone. It sounds like a much deserved break. Sometimes keeping up two lives (online and the 'real') can be exhausting. xx
If the hammock beckons you had better get in it pronto!
Yay Poet took her first steps. I actually had tears reading this post because I too need to log off and get on my kidlets bedroom floors and play. Thank you for the reminder. X
I love that photo so much. Lacy collar and dirty toes. Perfection.
Go Poet! And go you – sounds like you gave yourself just what you needed. Kellie xx
good for you! a strong woman to do what you know needs to be done!
This is wonderful. This is exactly what I needed to read this evening. We celebrate our little Jobie's first birthday tomorrow and I am so excited. He, too, took his first steps this past week! Enjoy that hammock 🙂
A blessing to be busy, a blessing to be calm…
How lovely. I wish we could unplug for a while. Maybe next year sometime. And precious you caught Poet's first steps 🙂 x
For all the things technology brings into our lives, sometimes it's nice to step back and breathe a little too.
That sounds like a wonderful few days.
In two weeks time when I finish the semester I am planning at least two weeks of seriously slow time…I will do all the little projects around the house that need doing but I will do them in my own time and I think I will enjoy them more because of it.
And watch out world, here comes Poet!
Go Poet!
The tops of Ryder's feet {my 11 month old} are always black and dirt covered from his adventures around the house and garden. His knees and toes are a constant cover of black 🙂
A few days away from the screen is just what I think I need soon too.
Thanks for the prompt Jodi, as always – very inspiring!
x
just beautiful Jodie! we spent the day in the garden, making a new veggie patch and enjoying the sunshine. oh nature has a way of restoring us all! lovely pic of poet..xx
oh that's exactly what you need every now and then 🙂 so beautifully written!:)
Enjoy a well deserved rest! 🙂 that hammock sounds quite nice!
It really is refreshing to just relish in the moment…
Steps!!! Darling little Poet 🙂
That is exactly how I function, too. Whenever I get overwhelmed with work, the only solution is to stop and clean out my closet, organize my pantry, gather and dry herbs, iron…whatever I can to put things in order. It's amazing how much space that sort of thing clears up in my head!
A recipe for a perfect week – thank you!
Now that's what I like to hear….in our fast moving world, where it is often considered a weakness to be seen slowing down, until we drop, someone sensible enough to know that you need to fill your soul your spirit with what feeds it. Well done and congratulations for posting it.
Ah, those beckoning hammocks! They do that! 🙂
Slowing down if when all of the best ideas come. I am pretty sure that if I had a hammock, I'd probably slow down a lot too. People see 'freelance writer' and they think 'best job ever' and while I like it I am definitely of the opinion that writing for other people is spiritually and physically draining at times. I just got done with some writing projects on different clients' blogs, and I tell you, I don't want to touch a blog for another week or so. I'll just peruse magazines and books for my own entertainment! Definitely know where you are coming from Jodi. Enjoy the holiday!
oh that post just made me exhale. so glad you took the time, the time to nourish yourself and just step away.
your writing is like poetry, I love it.
Little Poet is walking! I wonder if she was waiting for you to take this much needed break before she shared this with you? x
Jodi, you are so special and talented. You weave your words in such a calming way. Everytime I read your posts it makes me want to sit down and drink some herbal tea and play with my children 🙂 xx
I am just so happy for you 🙂
Keep that computer turned off, for as long as you need 🙂
x
Sounds good! Here in Europe, autumn kicked in. Enjoy your rest. Barbara
freelancing from home is very challenging at times, I never know when to stop at the same time I am so glad i can organise my time with my daughter as I please… kind of – Well done switching off your computer!
i'm glad you got to the end of your busy time, and that you took some slow time. enjoy the hammock! :)sarah
Glad that you were able to end the business and just enjoy. 🙂
This sounds like the perfect couple of days. I love days when things are relaxed and homely. There is no better feeling than taking things slowly and enjoying the simple things. This is one of my favourite posts yet!