"When we use the word idle, we usually think of inactivity. We assume that an idle woman has lots of time on her hands. But “inactive” is not exactly what idleness means. The Greek word refers to someone or something that is not in good order. It means “careless” and “out of line.”
An idle woman is often busy. Perhaps even excessively busy…Women are idle when they have the wrong priorities. They are idle when they fail to stay at their post of duty, and busy themselves with other things instead. An idle woman’s life is undisciplined and out of order. She does not do what she ought to do." -Girls Gone Wise by Mary Kassian (page 78)
Hmm, how convicting. There's a lot of things I've been idle about, wasting my time with things that don't really matter in the grand scheme of things. Areas I've been idle: Spending quality time with my son and hubster. Writing. Cleaning my house. Reading the Bible. Cooking.
To fight my recent idleness, I've created a list for each weekday. Each day of the week is a certain task for cleaning the house, a task for writing, etc. I won't go on Facebook or check out other blogs or watch TV or do any other lazy/procrastinating thing until after I've accomplished my goals and my priorities are met.
Sounds restrictive, but wow is there freedom in it! I tried out a new recipe for dinner last night that my hubster loved and is still raving about. I've done three loads of laundry, cleaned my closet and gave a bag of stuff to Goodwill, and tidied the kitchen. I wrote two new scenes of my book, revised a chapter, and critiqued three chapters for my CP. I spent extra time reading to my kiddo and going on a walk with him while the weather was GORGEOUS. And the hubster and I got to go on a date. :)
All because I've been spending less time on Facebook or surfing the net, and I don't watch my recorded TV shows anymore while the little one is napping but use that time for writing.
This overcoming idleness thing is awesome! Anyone else want to overcome idleness with me? :)
I've taken to only blogging once a week! The time freed thinking up stories instead of what blog post to write is amazing!
ReplyDeleteYay! Take care
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Wow, excellent goal and excellent progress, Jenn! I think I'm going to have to copy you and try to turn my day on its head the same way. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the insight and have a great rest of the week.
Ugh, I have that SAME struggle! :) I've started swapping To-Do lists via email with a good friend to have accountability. And I clean in little bursts, like I just finished a 30 minute go, got laundry started kitchen picked up. Now I will write for 30 min. :)
ReplyDeleteI've issues with this ever since my daughter went to kindergarten. I had a hard time realizing I was actually missing her and spent a lot of time wandering around trying to figure out how to get motivated again. Lists are a great way to get started. Good luck!
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