Everyone knows that once you have kids or are a primary caregiver, you have way less “disposable time” (I’m not sure if this is a real phrase, but I’m thinking of it as disposable income except for time. I also have less disposable income after having kids, too!) Even for those of us who were sure we were “very busy” before we had kids, caregiving under capitalism takes time pressures to a whole new level. But yes, being “busy” with work and kids is a boring complaint, and “taking time for yourself” is a good but bland solution.
This week, I’m giving myself not “time off” but rather the precious gift of uninterrupted time. I’m off for four days to a lil’ cottage in the country with the hopes of making some big progress on my book proposal.
I’m muting my work emails and my text messages about weekend plans. I’m removing myself from the proximity of forgotten lunch boxes, piles of dinner dishes, and bedtime tantrums. And in only having to take care of myself, I’m hoping for the sustained focus I need to make headway toward finishing the proposal and getting the book sold. While this is very much a work trip, I love this book topic and I can’t wait to have four days to think about nothing else. I feel much gratitude to my husband who will be shouldering the extra load while I’m away.
I hope this will inspire you to think not just about taking time for yourself, but how to boldly claim the space that’s required for you to be uninterruptible.
No member thread this week. We’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming with a great interview on April 24th!
Next Members-Only Hangout! Monday April 29 3pm EST
I Want YOUR Feedback on My Book Idea!
Come hear what I’m so excited about that I want to commit the next 3+ years of my life toiling away on… I’ll share what I’m working on and I want to hear your thoughts, stories, ideas, feedback, and things I haven’t considered. The beloved Double Shift member community will be some of the first people to hear all about what I’m working on and you will help me shape this book! No, I’m not going to share what the book is about right now on this public newsletter post, but members get the **exclusive** details when you come to this month’s hangout. (I’ll save the public announcement for after its sold.) Zoom details coming in your inbox and through a calendar invite.
If you want in on the fun, become a paying member!
If you’d like to share your ideas on future hangout topics, go here!
Oh yeah also so excited to hear all about your book!!
Good for you Katherine taking the time away you need! My husband did this a few times for work and it was so helpful for him. I got one whole 8-hour uninterrupted day during our spring break last month to work on career related stuff, it was glorious but not nearly enough!