Monday 4 May 2015

Listening to myself.

When I had the shop - it was a paper craft shop called Stamping Ground (so there's a vague reason for the blog name..) - I was able to develop a sixth sense for browsers who would become customers and browsers who wouldn't. There would be enthusiasm and wonder and further interest and conversation.


Or there would be polite interest and the standard 'get-out-of-the-shop-without-buying-anything-phrase'. And that phrase is and was "I don't have time to do this sort of thing". And it used to really annoy me. Because it invalidated my passion, my business and my service to others in my  opinion. I developed as polite a response as I could. I would instantly look them in the eye and say with a smile: 
        "I think if you want to do something badly enough, you MAKE time to do it".
And then quite often, bid them a good day as I closed the door behind them! In the madness of my current life and commitments, I have really wondered if I would ever get back to my hobby. And then I recalled my big mouth telling other people to make time. So I have. 

At the beginning of each week, Mr Dunnit and I have a Production Meeting. He tells me what we're going to achieve and I tell him the commitments that we have; as a couple, a business and individually. We work around them. It may mean some longer days or early starts or other juggling, but it works out in the end.
Looks really arty and clever as a close up angle, Huh!


In the last month, I've had two full days of Cropping in others company, which is marvellous. I've had a couple afternoons in the garden which were very necessary and even managed coffee and shopping with LLJ. I'm no busier than other women the world over, for sure. But I'm better off for having heard myself. I'm not offering it as advice. I'm erm, strongly recommending you try it. Go on, make that time!


11 comments:

misteejay said...

Lovely collection of LOs Julia.
We all fall into the 'too busy' trap from time to time but it is important to take a step back and have some 'me' time - glad you have been listening to yourself.
Toni xx

voodoo vixen said...

I hear you... instead of saying when the kitchen is finished, when the boiler is done, when the windows are in... I'm just going to do it! LOL

Helen said...

We should all listen to you! I never knew you had a shop.. I love your layouts, they are fab. Am off to try and make time... for something!

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

You've reminded me of a lady who came to my class a couple of times. On the third occasion, for which she'd booked, she didn't turn up. I got home to an answer phone message, which said she would no longer be coming to the sessions because, "I'm sure its lovely to sit around all morning making pretty cards, but I don't have time to waste." Obviously she felt her time was more precious than my own, which really had been wasted cutting four card kits for her!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I am glad you listen to your own advice. It is really important.

I remember reading a few years ago that you had owned a paper crafting shop, but never knew the name before. Now I know where you got your blog name. How fun to learn the back story, just as it is fun to see all those lovely layouts you made.

Sue said...

Totally agree, if you want to do something you will do it.

Loving your LOs.

Hope you have had a lovely bank holiday Monday. Sue

Darnell said...

Go you, Julia! Well said! Thank you for sharing how you are learning to balance on the see-saw of life and creativity! Enjoy your day!! Hugs, Darnell

Christine said...

Good advice.....now I, for one, just need to follow it!!!
X

April said...

I totally agree with you. If it's important - you make the time to do it. That's why at least once a month on craft day at church I scrapbook. I don't always gets lots of pages done, but I make progress. :-)
April

April said...

I totally agree with you. If it's important - you make the time to do it. That's why at least once a month on craft day at church I scrapbook. I don't always gets lots of pages done, but I make progress. :-)
April

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