Oh Lauren, I related to so much of this - not quite landing, the longest 10 days ever and the almost 'productivity guilt' of not being able to fit a whole life in - both before Christmas and even now in this technically 'fresh' time.
'I’m currently in the privileged position of living in London, with a partner and a stable salary, without kids or elders to care for, and so if I can’t juggle all my interests and creative pursuits now, when can I?!' - I feel similarly to this – although I wonder if it's easy to fall into the trap of over-ambition in this state!
This year, I'm looking to seek more help, support and advice from others. And perhaps, in turn, being in more communal spaces – like run clubs!
Thanks so much for sharing Francesca - it's good to know I'm not alone!! and totally know what you mean with the 'fresh' time!
You're definitely onto something with the trap of over-ambition too - just sitting down for an hour is not a waste of time, even if there is a to-do list to attend to (something I am trying to learn!!).
Sounds like a good plan for the year - I may ponder on that too x
Love this Lauren. ‘Betterment burnout’ is a real thing and I think I’ve been there for some time!
My biggest one for this year is not doing ALL of the things, but doing the things with people who put me on an upswing - those that introduce me to a corners of my me that I like most, and whom I bring some distance to meeting their own preferred self too x
Lauren - I loved this! I think reading your words, and seeing you almost move through these thoughts in real time- it ended for me with a desire to live in your space - to own that time, and spend it however you want to. I think sometimes, the New Year can bring with it these feelings that we need overhaul everything, be perfect, hit the ground running. But, I think for so many of us, it is still winter, we need a slow start and actually - a reminder that we do have time. Some days will be jam packed and other days will be slower. it is a balance, and we are free to steer our own lives. Thank you for pointing me here, I really resonated with your words.
It was so lovely to see you too 🥰 and I’m just beaming with pride today, I actually can’t believe I read a piece of my writing… out loud… to real live people! 🙈🤣
I think you're great in what you do. Lean into doing more of work that fills you up. You've got a broad range to choose from now. Sustainable is an excellent word.
Lauren, your reflection resonated with me, too. I’ve also felt “betterment burnout” in the past few months. I’ve also been considering a less regular posting schedule. Publishing once per week is a lot to sustain; eventually, it feels like such pressure to post something new. Thank you, your reflection helped me so much 😊❤️
Thanks for much for sharing Jana - it's definitely a comfort to know I'm not alone, and all the better if these reflections can offer you something too! 🥰
Oh Lauren, I related to so much of this - not quite landing, the longest 10 days ever and the almost 'productivity guilt' of not being able to fit a whole life in - both before Christmas and even now in this technically 'fresh' time.
'I’m currently in the privileged position of living in London, with a partner and a stable salary, without kids or elders to care for, and so if I can’t juggle all my interests and creative pursuits now, when can I?!' - I feel similarly to this – although I wonder if it's easy to fall into the trap of over-ambition in this state!
This year, I'm looking to seek more help, support and advice from others. And perhaps, in turn, being in more communal spaces – like run clubs!
Thanks so much for sharing Francesca - it's good to know I'm not alone!! and totally know what you mean with the 'fresh' time!
You're definitely onto something with the trap of over-ambition too - just sitting down for an hour is not a waste of time, even if there is a to-do list to attend to (something I am trying to learn!!).
Sounds like a good plan for the year - I may ponder on that too x
Love this Lauren. ‘Betterment burnout’ is a real thing and I think I’ve been there for some time!
My biggest one for this year is not doing ALL of the things, but doing the things with people who put me on an upswing - those that introduce me to a corners of my me that I like most, and whom I bring some distance to meeting their own preferred self too x
That is a great term - and thank you for sharing!
What an ethos for the year ahead. I might get it framed. Definitely sounds like a sensible approach to focusing on the good inputs xx
Lauren - I loved this! I think reading your words, and seeing you almost move through these thoughts in real time- it ended for me with a desire to live in your space - to own that time, and spend it however you want to. I think sometimes, the New Year can bring with it these feelings that we need overhaul everything, be perfect, hit the ground running. But, I think for so many of us, it is still winter, we need a slow start and actually - a reminder that we do have time. Some days will be jam packed and other days will be slower. it is a balance, and we are free to steer our own lives. Thank you for pointing me here, I really resonated with your words.
Thank you again Emily for reading so closely and for your encouragement! 🥰
Loved this Lauren 👍🥰
Ah thanks so much Eva! 🥰
And lovely to see (and hear!!) you last night! X
It was so lovely to see you too 🥰 and I’m just beaming with pride today, I actually can’t believe I read a piece of my writing… out loud… to real live people! 🙈🤣
That is lovely to hear - well done you!! X
I think you're great in what you do. Lean into doing more of work that fills you up. You've got a broad range to choose from now. Sustainable is an excellent word.
Thank you so much Amy - appreciate your encouragement to really think about this.
And thanks again for last night! ❤️
Lauren, your reflection resonated with me, too. I’ve also felt “betterment burnout” in the past few months. I’ve also been considering a less regular posting schedule. Publishing once per week is a lot to sustain; eventually, it feels like such pressure to post something new. Thank you, your reflection helped me so much 😊❤️
Thanks for much for sharing Jana - it's definitely a comfort to know I'm not alone, and all the better if these reflections can offer you something too! 🥰