Vibrant Nation

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That’s what happens when you live part-time in Procrasti-Nation. The important stuff waits while you do something less pressing, maybe even downright trivial. Like untangling your ‘ball’ of necklaces or reading your Facebook news.

These days, I feel like I’ve inadvertently applied for citizenship in a new country – the Procrasti-Nation. Oh, I’m still keeping my US passport and all the freedoms we enjoy. But since the Pause, it seems I’ve adopted a whole new cosmology. Why do today what you can put off ’til tomorrow? Or forever? Why not do something frivolous or fun instead of my chores or commitments?

Our national anthem here in Procrasti-Nation might be “Feelin’ Groovy”. Or “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” Instead of the lofty Latin “e pluribus unum”, our motto could be “I’ll Do It Later.”

Our national pastime: cloud watching. Far more entertaining than baseball, I think, and you don’t have to keep track of stats or wear jerseys.

So here I sit, writing my weekly blog entry at the last possible moment. I was going to write more about the Goddesses’ caregiving insights at our annual gathering, but I just couldn’t marshall my thoughts. The topic is so important that I’ll have to do it later.

That’s what happens when you live part-time in Procrasti-Nation. The important stuff waits while you do something less pressing, maybe even downright trivial. Like untangling your ‘ball’ of necklaces or reading your Facebook news.

Although I don’t “accomplish” as much when residing in this new place, I have to say that I’m a big fan of procrastinating. I spend more time petting the cats and dog. I’m more present to my friends when they drop by. And I’ve found a lot of stuff takes care of itself if you just leave it alone.

I’ve also fallen into some fun new projects because I was avoiding those items on the top of my prioritized to do list. Case in point: I was at a women’s writer’s retreat with sister Menopause Goddess Karen Leland and a host of other wonderful, creative goddesses last summer. We were writing, reading, and critiquing one another.

One day, when we were supposed to be working on our various projects, I found myself taking a yet another unplanned vacation to Procrasti-Nation. One of my passions (passionettes, actually) is digital photography. Since all of us were engaged in the big living room with our laptops, I had to look busy. On the spot, I created a photo blog that I named The Digital Diva.

Weirdly enough, it took off. Enough so that my husband, Dewitt, asked if we could do another blog like it to just showcase our iPhone art. So Digital Diva / Digital Dude was born. We’ve taught classes and just written an article about creative iPhone apps and photo art for Outdoor Photographer magazine (it’s due out in a few months.)

Most of the time I spend in Procrasti-Nation does not lead to new blogs or much of anything save untangled silver chains. Like they say on the weight loss commercials, actual results may vary. Still, it feels like a gift that menopause has given me: an actual pause in my busyness and frenetic doing. And that’s why I’ve decided to emigrate there. Every now and then.

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responses (6)

Dr.She said to Lynette Sheppard
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Sign me up. I agree. Last year was so deadline based, I'm having a hard time getting back on the deadline boat this year.  Much better doing the little things even though I know I have not one, not two, not three, but 6 major writing events with a 2/12 event.

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Lynette Sheppard said to Dr.She
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Oh girlfriend, you and I both need a "vacation" in some high energy, high productivity, kick it into gear nation. Although I actually think you have even more on your plate than I.

Anxiety used to motivate me. And guilt. Can't seem to find them lately. A good thing and a bad thing. Just now I'm rooting for you (and me).

Dr.She said to Lynette Sheppard
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:-)

I got up at 6 am this morning with the best intentions of getting started on one of the papers that has "plagued me so".  It's now 9 am and I've just finished revising 6 chapters of a novel that has no deadline....Ugh....breakfast and paper #1, I promise!  :-)

SeaWriter said to Lynette Sheppard
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Hi, Lynette,

I don't dare visit Procrasti-nation until I finish this stint in graduate school or I'll be in deep trouble. But keep the post cards coming -- they give me a goal!

However, I will be visiting Moloka'i with my daughter in March. Will you be around? Is there a way to contact you? I'd love to meet for coffee or something. We're staying north of Lahaina (Westin) and taking the ferry to Moloka'i just for a day.

If you like you can send me a private message through VN with your email address in it and we can communicate that way. I hope we can work something out.

-Sarah

Lynette Sheppard said to SeaWriter
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Hi Sarah,

Sounds great!  I sent my email via private message as you suggested. I'll be here in Procrasti-nation (which looks a lot like Moloka`i) cheering you on. And trying to get motivated!

Aloha!

Lynette

dynamomma said to Lynette Sheppard
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Hello Lynette:  I was wondering what it was that had hold of me.  I moved and didn't know it.  I too have been living somewhere in Procrasti-Nation.  I like it.  I might set up permanent housekeeping.  The only demands on my time are the ones I put there.  It's so cool!!!  But I do have to confess, having lived a life full of demands, goals and accomplishments, sometimes (not real often) my inner voice tells me I'm wasting away.  So I decided to do something about it.  I told my inner voice to shut up!!!!

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