What I'm working on -- and the positive power of distraction

Something pretty

Acrylic ink and acrylic

on cradled birch panel

6 x 6 inches

Barbara Muir © 2020

I'm always eager to read articles about ways to improve my
joy in living.  An especially hard challenge in difficult times.
But sometimes it strikes me that not all of the standard answers work.
Take procrastination.  After studying the subject, and teaching
formulas to help students avoid it, I've started to think it's a
good thing.  Saying "I have problems with procrastination,"
feels like admitting to a crime of some sort.

But what if stalling on a project (I don't mean when there is
a looming deadline) helps focus new light on possible
solutions.  I know that happens frequently for me with painting.
Today my garden is helping me procrastinate. It's been virtually
neglected this year, but is still at its best in September, because of
the perennials we planted so that we could see something
wonderful when we got home from the Maritimes, and this year Ottawa.
Yes I have my list.  Plus I teach my once a week class tonight.

But the garden offers a cloud of white Anemones, Geraniums the
colour of brilliant, deep red jewels, and huge Morning Glories
in blue -- closing now in the late day. 

 
Visiting Ottawa got in the way of finishing the piece I'm working on
(procrastination of a joyous variety).When I pulled it out again yesterday
I was stumped.  In the night the answer came to me.  And tomorrow
when I have time to buy paint, and concentrate I'll see whether
my ideas are right.  Sometimes time and even procrastination
(nasty word) allows a painting to "cook".

So here's a little something I've been working on today. By the way
the best formula for countering procrastination that I ever came
up with was to make a big sign, on 8 1/2 x 11" paper folded horizontally
that said "Today!"  If you carry that around with you, you tend to concentrate
on what you need to get done "Today". That lowers any burden
of guilt you might have for the "not done yet's."

Have an allowing-yourself-to-procrastinate day.