To-Do List.

Today is my day off. These days truly do feel few and far between (and always too short!), and it’s come to my attention at work that I have been a little stressed out and “unhinged.” As a result, I’m taking it incredibly easy today, and I’ve gotten myself a small list of things I’d like to do today. These are usually the things I resolve myself to when I have a day off, so let’s see:

1.) Shower, but change right back into pajamas. Stay in such attire as long as possible.
2.) Finish a book.
3.) Write 35 pages.
4.) Bake some cookies.
5.) Clean some dishes.
6.) Do some laundry.
7.) Don’t even THINK about work!!!

Of the list, the last one is always the hardest. Trying to delegate the day job to just that, just a day job, just a way to sustain an income to support me while I pursue my passion, has been my biggest challenge lately. Work has been utterly insane for me, but things are starting to calm down a bit and I even made a schedule the other day that allowed me three (UNHEARD OF!) days off. I don’t even know what I’d do with myself if I had that much non-work-focused time…and that’s a problem.

I need to be better at “being lazy,” or, at least my version of lazy. As you can see, my “relaxing” day involves a list of things I’d like to get accomplished. I don’t always accomplish them, but I do know I’m generally happier when I can just focus on my writing without having to worry about the day job. I’m the type of person who takes a lot of pride in my work and tends to put everything I have into things, but my new boss pointed out that it’s leaving me way too stressed. She observed that it’s great that I put so much in, but not when I get a comparatively little amount out. And she’s right.

Naturally, it’s easy for me to focus on the stuff I really love when I don’t work, but I do still always have that niggling feeling int he back of my head that I’m somehow doing a terrible job if I’m not doing something for my work even on my days off. Crazy, isn’t it? But I’m working on fixing that.

What words of advice would you give to someone who wanted to start tuning out the nag of the tedious day job and turn their passions into their main focus? What tips do you have to teach yourself not to obsess over the little things and enjoy the things you really love? I’d appreciate some perspective on this…and wish me luck!

Ironically, I do have to call work about something, though I’m dreading it turning into a whole thing that requires me to do something. Still, I should get it done and over with so I can enjoy my writing!