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When you move slowly and struggle with energy the way I do, every day feels like there's not enough time. And in my head I make mental notes of all of the things I still have left to do. Then I make lists on paper. I am becoming more self-aware and learning to accept myself more and more. I do what I can with what I have and try not to beat myself up about it. I learned that if instead of writing down the thing I just do it I can actually save time--then I write it down as an accomplishment after the fact!

On the topic of books, I just started The Ponies at the Edge of the World by Catherine Munro and it's beautifully written. I'm in awe of how someone with such a different life from mine seems to have so much in common with me.

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I love the list of things that you've done, rather than what you want to do! Ponies at the Edge of the World sounds lovely, I'm adding it to my list! I'm a sucker for books set in coastal regions, thank you for recommending :) Have a good end to your week! x

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Oh, I feel this post in my very bones. I am the Queen of Lists and used to think that it was a sign that I was super on top of things. It's only recently that I've realised how much I use lists as a means of coping with overwhelm and time scarcity

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Thank you for sharing this Louise, I'm glad it resonated with you! Wishing you calm! x

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May 11, 2023Liked by Astrid Bracke

I always end up with a sore back because I tend to hunch over more when trying to buckle down. The other way it shows up is making more lists and even attempting to reinvent my organization system, thinking that will fix my problem because it must be why I feel rushed and pressured. Ironically, it always makes me feel worse because I just need to DO the things on the list and slow down. Thank you for the reminder that time scarcity is a product of the hussle culture. I also want to approach things differently and it's why I work for myself. I definitely needed this today and I hope we both can feel more relaxed moving forward this week. You'll get the course done, you have all the time you need. 💜

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Thank you for your kind words Rachel! It's so fascinating isn't it, how we feel the mental pressure in our bodies? Wishing you a good, slow week too x

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I mentioned it in my newsletter as I thought it might well strike a chord with my community as well. Hope you have a lovely weekend.

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Thank you for sharing it Louise! x

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Aug 10Liked by Astrid Bracke

I really felt this post. I suffer from chronic migraine and get periods in which I have two to three migraines a week so it's really hard not to want to cram as much work as possible in the good days. But it's overwhelming and triggers even more anxiety.

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Thank you for your comment Elfin, and I'm so sorry to hear that you suffer from chronic migraine. I hope that this post continues to support you, and that you can give yourself the space and grace to go gently (and I know how hard, and at times, impossible that feels!). ✨

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I'm a productivity devotee and it works for me. I think being productive releases endorphins for me. But I have a stand up desk now which helps me breathe and I'm knocking off work in the evening to exercise, read, connect with friends, listen to music and sing. I like the pattern of living that I'm developing while still being very productive.

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Oh, I love hearing about your experiences with the stand up desk Lora! Thank you for sharing :)

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Mar 29Liked by Astrid Bracke

For me it shows up when I'm dreaming. The classic dream is missing a flight.

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That's so fascinating Julia! Thank you for sharing--as someone with vivid dreams I always appreciate about others with similar experiences. Mine tend to be about boundaries in various forms 😅

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Fab article! I never thought of calling it what it is. Time scarcity. And definitely get caught with it. Sometimes I’m better at managing it than other times.

And it definitely shows up as an unease in my body.

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Thank you Linn, I'm happy you enjoyed it! Have you discovered anything that helps when you experience time scarcity? x

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Naming it definitely helps. Over the years I have learned to put less on my to-do list and recognize that when I didn’t get to it all, it’s ok to just move it in to next week.

Having blank space in my diary helps immensely too.

It’s an ongoing practice 😅

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Yes to blank space! I've learned over the past year that intentionally leaving that works so well for me.

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It does, doesn't it? I have found that as well. Though making sure it is an constant feature is indeed an ongoing practice!

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Oh, that's a classic Vanessa! I've definitely done this in the past, though maybe more with notebooks or calendars in an attempt to try a new, 'better' system ;-) The seedlings indeed are probably an exception to needing daily attention (although I have killed a couple of small garden plants in the past for simply not having the bandwidth). x

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