In the past month or so, I've had a pretty major realization: being busy sucks. I'm not talking about the busy, but good. I'm referring to the 'so busy you can't keep up and you're juggling 10 different projects at once' type of busy. It's a busy that I used to take great pride in because it made me feel more accomplished. I was always the student in a plethora of extra curricular activities, I overloaded my class schedule whenever I could, and throughout my 20's, I've rarely said no to a project, no matter how big or small. When people ask me what I'm up to, their reactions are usually one of being overwhelmed to which again, I took as a sort of pride.
And yet, this humbling experience of the first trimester has taught me that being that busy is stupid (at least for me). I've dropped nearly every deadline I've had in the past two months. Cramming my schedule so full that I could never concentrate on any given thing for an extended period of time left me with getting to 'good enough.' Which now, has led me to look back on certain things and wish I would/could have spent more time. I've spent a lot of time thinking through what it is I value and where my time should be spent and let me tell you, when you're a project junky, it's hard to quit. I have conversations with M about what it is I want to keep doing and what I want to drop. I start by saying that I love Wooden Spoons, and also the freelance photography work I do, and of course, the blog. But then, after all of that, I'm right back to where I started with feeling overwhelmed. I'm still not sure what is going to give, but I'm working on it and for now, that feels good.
This vegetarian butternut squash salad is right inline with what I'm craving recently: a hearty bread salad with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Â My pregnancy cravings have moved beyond potatoes and into a land of cereal, lemon yogurt with granola, vinegar (mainly in the form of salad dressing), bbq potato chips, and tacos. I'm loving spicy right now but the spice doesn't always love me back (but I'm dealing.) Also, if you want to catch a rare glimpse of me in front of the camera, I posted a 16 week photo on instagram (aka my tiny baby bump that could be mistaken for eating too much Thanksgiving!)
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Your photos are gorgeous! I hope you find peace soon and your busyness settles down - I am gald I stumbled by - this is a wonderful post Thanksgiving meal!
one of the first and most important lessons of motherhood! and how you spend your time now will shift again once that little cutie is here. it's fun to have work you love and hobbies that excite you, but SO much of your time will be spent with baby and family that you will soon forget the conundrum of taking on too much. I think it's one of the best things about motherhood...what is truly most important to you is what you make time for. 🙂
Holy, I don't think I've ever been that busy! Not to freak you out, but imagine all you have PLUS a baby! Hopefully you find some time to set stuff aside and relax a bit - it's so important!! Also, loving the looks of this salad. I need something like this now 🙂
Hi Erin,
congratulation on your thanksgiving bump 😉
If I had arugula in my freezer, I could done this salad for breakfast - it's that tempting... 🙂
I completely understand you regarding the first part of your post - but I came to conclusion that being freelancer
by default means to be busy all the time. Now you have your biggest project in front of you, and it will be a full time job, so enjoy 🙂
I know exactly what you mean about the too-busy. It's really hard to let go of the desire to do everything... But maybe the pregnancy is helping you figure out what you've wanted all along, and concentrate on what feels best - and what is sustainable in the future, once the wee one shows up. I think we often forget to think about sustainability, and what we're doing now that can be made to last. The salad is great as well!
Even with your hectic schedule, you still come up with inspired recipes. This one is a beauty!
I can totally relate to that. Even though I never had the tendency to get my schedule overflowing, I can hardly say no. So of course there are times when you have no idea how to manage all those things. Trying to keep up with everything is so hard and definitely not fullfilling. Although, I totally agree that it makes you feel so good to be busy and making so much. But in the end you have the feeling that you couldn't get the things done like you really wanted and also, you cannot focus on each of them.
I think it's the right way to think about the things you really want to do and where you can cut back. Even if you haven't made any decisions yet. It's a very good start.
Congratulations again! 🙂
Also, the salad looks gorgeous of course! 🙂
I totally agree, being busy sucks! Before I started my blog I used to have so much free time that was probably spent watching trashy tv, but now I eat, sleep, and breath blog and photography and as much as I love it, it is just too much work sometimes!
This salad looks totally delicious and right up my alley! What a cute little baby bump! congratulations!
I like to have something to do most of the time - I don't relax well - but I have been discovering that my stamina isn't what it used to be when I was a lot younger. I would imagine that having a baby is a lot like growing old - I know that baby will take a lot of your energy, and babies must be first priority. What I've discovered is that my body will tell me what I have energy for, and yours will, too. It's okay to let projects go in favor of taking care of yourself and your baby. Projects can wait, babies can't. I wish you the best in getting your priorities sorted out. In the meantime, we can all enjoy this wonderful salad. Looking forward to trying it.
Your writing resonates. Modern living is hectic, but pregnancy is a wonderful time to reassess life and your priorities. Good luck with it all and thanks for sharing this lovely recipe.
i made this earlier in the week for guests- it was perfect 🙂