I haven’t been spending my time and money in the best ways possible, the ways that would send me closer to my dreams of living sustainably and starting my own business.
Thanks to Sam Spurlin’s free e-mail course, Exploring Consciousness, I’ve been thinking a lot about conscious time and money.
I spend too much money eating out, too much time hanging out online. Every time I needlessly go to check my e-mail, I recognize this is a form of Escapism. I do it for that fleeting high of getting important mail or reader love letters. I do it because whatever I’m doing right now is causing me some sort of discomfort. If I’ve hit a block in my writing, I want to run instantly to Gmail and Twitter, where everyone loves me and we’re all flowing in unity. There’s no challenge to peel away the layers of my psyche in order to find the right words. Instead, I’m met with a simple stream of joyful chatter.
But I’m a change agent, sustainable lifestyle advocate, someone who really wants to accomplish something meaningful. So I better get to work, right? Or else, how serious am I about living sustainably and creating a better world?
I recently learned that I need to create time to make these changes in my life. If I want to reuse more, that means I have to spend my time sterilizing empty bottles and organizing space for their storage. If I want to cook more, I need time. If I want to make more crafts and upcycled projects, I need both money and time.
Because I have never felt the need to be conscious about my time and money, I have never been good at organizing or sticking to my own rules. I want to believe I am invincible, so much that I don’t need organization, nor discipline.
I’ve come to a point where I must make a choice. Do I continue to pretend I am invincible beyond the need for conscious organization? Or do I face reality and accept that I am not invincible, I do indeed need tools and discipline in order to make progress? It is truly comforting to stay here on this plateau thinking I’ve done enough. But I know this state of mind can never last.
How could I possibly go back to using more paper and plastic, buying petro-chemical-filled products, spending my time vegging out to a TV show?
I can’t.
The truth is I’ve come too far. I could never go back and feel wholly content. Sustainable living is now a part of who I am, and there’s only forward to go.
So this is another moment of stepping up to the plate, taking responsibility for the choices I’ve made, and strengthening my commitment to my life.
Are you having trouble with this too?
Here’s my plan to start getting organized:
- Record financial activity online, using Zoho Sheets.
- Spend less time Escaping, more time cooking and reading.
- Read Charlie Gilkey’s blog, Productive Flourishing. I’m averse to GTD, but I do like getting things done. If you’re having trouble getting things done, I highly recommend Charlie’s blog.
- Read and apply the principles from The Dojo (not an affiliate link), a fantastic resource by Charlie Gilkey and Jonathan Mead. The Dojo focuses on aligning your values and spiritual resources in order to accomplish what you want. Frequently, emotional blocks are what prevent us from making progress, so The Dojo offers a path to work through these. Fabian Kruse has a great review of it here.
Do you have questions about sustainability or social change? Ask them in my survey. The survey closes this week. Thank you so much!
It feels seriously good to know that you’re getting value out of my e-course. Thanks for the kind words and I hope it continues to be helpful for you. A world of people all trying to live more consciously is the kind of world that I want to live in. Thanks for joining the ranks
No problem! Thanks for writing it. I admit I had a hard time reading it when you first sent it out. I don’t think I wanted to make the hard decisions. Simply reading the titles was enough to get me thinking about it, and those thoughts have stayed with me since, until I was ready to implement.
THIS is fabulous, I really relate to it. As an author, one promotes their book online a LOT, and connects with people, but I too miss making all my food from scratch, my organic garden, my time hiking, having time to stop, reassess and make clear choices, know where I am headed and what I want. These are all things that kind of fell by the wayside when my book, Naked in Eden, came out. And now, it is time to take back more of my life. This summer I am DEFINITELY having my garden and my hiking. Thank you for being such an inspiration. I am grateful. Hugs, Robin
Robin, I’m so glad my post could help you. Now that I have been focused on writing an e-book I have less time to pursue sustainable lifestyle changes. But I’m hoping to find a better balance. I wish you luck with your garden and hiking! Oh yes, I want to start hiking more too!
I loved your post. I feel the same way right now. I feel like I am in an “avoiding mode” where I am deterring away from all the things I SHOULD be doing and running to the easy, less important tasks. I am also so busy so when I finally do get a free minute I don’t really want to have to think. But thinking is so important. Ahhh…. what a wall I feel I’ve hit. I like your plan. I also signed up for that newsletter. I am going to make my plan. You have inspired me.
Thanks, Meg! It can be so hard to avoid “avoiding”, especially when we have a whole bunch of things going on at once. I avoid much more when I overload myself with projects, so I think I can take that as a sign now that perhaps I need to get rid of 1-2 things on my plate. Charlie Gilkey is really a wonderful resource for getting things done, and I think that can be applied beyond work to your personal life. Dreams are no easy feat, after all. They require commitment and effort to reach. I wish you luck with your plan!
Lynn,
This article strikes a number of chords for me. My life is quite simple now, but managing my time is always a challenge for me. I find we all have different temperaments and time management is easier for some than others. Maybe sometimes we do need just to space out or connect with a joyful stream of chatter. There’s nothing wrong with connecting and feeling loved.
It all comes down to balance and being conscious too. And sometimes we need to look more deeply too. How did these un-useful patterns get etched into my life? Are they protecting me in some way? Sometimes, it’s not just a question of will power.
Your personal exploration of this topic raises so many important questions!
I love these resources. I’m not familiar with all of them so I look forward to “consciously” exploring them.
Hi Sandra, You’re totally right that sometimes we do need space to connect with a joyful stream of chatter. I certainly allow myself to do it, but frequently it is unconsciously and I get knocked out of balance. You know, there was something funny going on my bf and I had a little chat about it and got it sorted out. My twitch to escape was a symptom of something larger. You’re right that it’s not always just a question of willpower. Now I see how complicated this situation is! I hope you enjoy the resources.
Hi Lynn,
I think you’re doing the right thing here. I too have felt that I have used email, Twitter and Facebook as an escape when I’m writing.
One thing I’d caution you on is reading. It too can become an escapism, even if it’s non-fiction. I would say read a bit if that’s what you love doing to relax. Then any other reading should be done only to learn something, which you intend to apply. If you just read and don’t apply it, I think it is also escapism.
Hi Max,
Good point on reading being a form of escape too. I suppose anything could be a means of escape! Then, I think it is your intention that matters. What is your purpose for engaging in this activity? Is it because you enjoy spending your time this way, or are you running away from something else? Thanks for your insights, I was really pressed to think deeply about it!
This struck a major chord in me. My life is like the children’s book, “If you give a mouse a cookie,” by Felicia Bond.
I started out as a stay at home mom who just wanted to utilize her time, creating things, while waiting for her children’s after school activities. Then, it led to selling those ‘things’ on Etsy. Then, blogging to market her goodies. And then, when she found out she was recycling things all wrong she discovered what it means to be eco-friendly. Then, she joined an eco-friendly team on Etsy. Then, she became the team leader. Then, she started developing the team’s blog and managing 14 editors. And now, she’s blogging for a food company and have been asked to develop a blog for someone else. And, all the while, keeping true to my mission to lead a sustainable life, and may be make a buck or two. Oh, and the kids I stayed home for? Don’t even ask. I think they found another home.
lol! I certainly hope they chose to stay with you, despite your greater interest in eco-crafts. =P I’m without kids, so I can’t even imagine what it must be like to think about creating time for yourself with kids to raise and feed. But there’s one thing I’m discovering – if you love it, you’ll make time for it, regardless of what your schedule is like. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
I feel your struggle, Lynn! I also catch myself escaping to email/Twitter/Facebook when I encounter a roadblock (although it’s not always obvious that’s why I’m doing it!). I’ve started to simply get up and walk away from my computer when I catch myself escaping from something… I go for a walk outside, do some yoga, cook something, go for a run… anything that will get me away from whatever I’m trying to escape to!
I’m curious about your Zoho Sheets recommendation: I use Google Docs spreadsheets to track my finances and I’m wondering why you prefer Zoho Sheets.
That’s a good idea, Raam! I think I need to just get away from my computer for a few moments when I feel the need to escape. Maybe a few simple yoga stretches would help. I think I’ll try it out!
I haven’t actually tried Google Docs spreadsheet. I mostly decided on Zoho because of this recommendation: http://webtrends.about.com/od/office20/tp/best-free-online-spreadsheets.htm They’re most likely quite similar. But I like that Zoho has a little ‘File’ menu, and you can import data from other sources. There’s also an option for Macros but I don’t think I’ll be writing any. =P
Google Docs is basically a full-featured web-based replacement for the entire Microsoft Office suite. It’s got the entire File, Edit, View, bar, import/export options, macros, formulas, the whole shabang.
Here’s a screenshot: http://raamdev.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/nfr-google-docs.png
You can also set up a free Google Apps for Domains account for your lynnfang.com domain and have Google host your email so you can access it using the GMail interface. (Let me know if you want help setting that up.)
Ah, I see. Looks like they are pretty similar in functionality. I do use Google Docs, so it would make sense to use Google spreadsheets. I don’t know what the Google Apps for Domains is, I’ll look into it. Thanks for the info!
Oh boy. I hear you on the email/Twitter thing. It’s instant gratification, it’s easy, and you can always tell yourself, “But I’m promoting my blog, and that was one of the things on my to do list today, too.” This weekend I went away to a friend’s cabin, up in the Sierra Nevadas and had a very quiet few days of clean well water and true darkness and realized that that was what I wanted — to find a way to work from somewhere very remote and still. Getting there is the problem. I’ve always had the same attitude about organization and discipline that you do (hey, I’m smart, I don’t need those things), but I think it’s time to buckle down and find a way to make my dream happen.
It totally falls into blog promotion, which feels remotely like ‘work’ so something useful. You are so lucky to have stayed in the Sierras! I really need such a retreat soon. The city life is draining. Good luck with your plans!
Lynn, I think you’ve just gone to a whole other level with this post. You show that sustainability is not only about the environment. It’s also about the personal such as time and money.
You write:
“Every time I needlessly go to check my e-mail, I recognize this is a form of Escapism. I do it for that fleeting high of getting important mail or reader love letters. I do it because whatever I’m doing right now is causing me some sort of discomfort.”
I couldn’t agree more. It’s so easy to dismiss distractions as quirky habits we have instead of investigating more. I admire your ability to recognize the situation for what it is. Sustainable living starts from the inside. I’m really looking forward to see where all this is taking you.
Thanks, Stella! Both inside and outside are incredibly important. If I’m not feeling right inside, that generally means something is not aligned, some part of me is not along for the ride. And that isn’t a sustainable mindset ;P
This post really hit home with me too. My sweet little “virtual” life is wonderful. It has provided me with a much needed outlet that I was struggling to find. I constantly have to find ways to keep perspective and walk away from my laptop. I have found that setting boundaries works for me, for example I try not to use my laptop and phone when my kids are around (I’m not always successful), even if I need the escape. Like Karen, my work life has been spiraling into so many more adventures. I am having a hard time finding balance. I am not great at saying no-maybe I should work on that!
Thanks for the great resources Lynn. I am looking forward to checking them out.
I’m totally with you on creating a ‘sweet little virtual life’ – it has also provided me a really wonderful outlet and an opportunity to meet really awesome people. Here’s a really great article, “7 Simple Ways to Say No” http://zenhabits.net/say-no/ Hope that helps you!
Nice post! I can relate!
I see you wrote “how could I possibly go back now? I can’t.” I recently read something that struck me about returning to old patterns, that it’s like trying on an old pair of shoes that used to fit, but when you put them on again later, you find they just don’t feel right anymore. Keep evolving, and I wish you the best with finding the new “shoes” that fit you well in the present!
Hi Melody! That’s a good analogy, thanks for the comment!
Hear you. I struggle too, like everyone else trying to live sustainably. The issue is that it is hard to live sustainably while simultaneously trying to promote the idea of living sustainably through blogging, tweeting, etc. I find making a list up on Friday mornings, of everything I want to accomplish each weekend, really helps. I have also written a longer term plan for myself, on what projects I want to tackle when. I also schedule things like laundry, bread making, plastic bag washing (I hate that job), farmer’s market shopping, house cleaning. I still struggle though. I also want to ensure that I am getting lots of face time with my kids too, it is too easy just to let them play while I do all my projects… I want to make sure I don’t miss them growing up because I am so focused on being green and spreading green, which I have been inspired to do mostly for them and for their future… Where do I draw the line?
Writing down your plan is a really good idea. I can see why it would get overwhelming, since sustainable living literally affects every corner of your life. Face time with your kids is probably the most important thing – maybe you can include them on your green living projects? Teach them while you learn at the same time. Or do green crafts with them. One of the best things you can do is teach your kids to really be green. Hope that helps! Best of luck!
It sounds as if that was a good decision, Lynn. I understand your reluctance to it, though. Sometimes, even helpful rules and routines seem annoying, so we don’t want to accept them. The difference for me really is creating these rules consciously and on my own, instead of getting pushed into sets made by others, like GTD etc.
I hope your new system will work well for you, and that you will enjoy the Dojo (thanks for the link to my review!). Its broader approach is very helpful for me!
The concept of consciously creating my own rules is really foreign to me, so I struggle with it. I’m accustomed to rebelling against rules, so listening to my own becomes a challenge. I really enjoyed how The Dojo conveyed the complexity of every new project we want to undertake. That complexity is why we need to sit down and think consciously about how we will approach new projects, and then rules seem to make sense.
I think it’s even more than that: We are free to break our own rules, too, but we should have a reason for it. I know this may sound lame or like the “easy way out” – but then, it’s actually often both more effective and more interesting. Also, who said that we always have to take the hard way?!
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Forgive the lateness of my comment – I purposely avoided my own blog, my subscriptions to other blogs (including yours), and Twitter for two weeks because I had way too much going on in the non-virtual world… the real world!
I try to apply the “everything in moderation” rule to my life activities. I don’t like it when turning on the computer in the evening to check my e-mail ends up keeping me glued to the keyboard for three hours! Similarly, I don’t like that being so busy outside of the house every day for two weeks meant I couldn’t read what you and others have been writing (or write anything myself). Neither extreme works for me. I’m trying harder to go back to a more balanced lifestyle for the coming two weeks!!
No problem! I’m thinking about reducing my posting frequency to even less than once/week. It feels too “markety” when I publish when I’m not *truly* inspired to post. And I have been feeling the tug to be more connected in the real world.
Good luck finding balance!! An old friend once said to me, “All things in moderation, including moderation itself!” I’m quite fond of that saying now and take it to heart
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