Ever noticed how ‘resolution’ has a bit of intimidation associated with it? Like you HAVE to follow it through, come what may? Whereas the word ‘intention’ has a more mindful, measured tone. Don’t ask me why. It’s probably in the semantics.

Anyway, the reason I bring this up is to say that I am going into December with an intention and I am starting it early; this week, in fact.

For people like me, bloggers and work-from-home souls, there’s always that tendency to let work hours and home hours overlap. There is no commute to set that clear distinction between the two. Where does one end and the other begin?

At the back of my mind, I’ve been feeling that slight twinge of overwhelm. One reason is the fact that I am handling a lot of things. The other reason, is I am getting messages from multiple channels.

Now, I don’t mean that in the cosmic sense. I mean, quite literally, I get messages from multiple channels- WhatsApp, Instagram, E-Mail, Facebook Messages, Twitter tags- and it’s extremely tough to answer all of these and stay on top of messages.

I’ve tried telling people/clients/bloggers gently, firmly, kindly that I prefer only e-mail communication but it doesn’t work. Even if the regulars remember, there’s always a few more who send me messages everywhere else. And then it’s an endless loop of keeping track of who sent me messages where.

For someone like me who is a bit of a perfectionist (which I am working on, by the way), unanswered messages make me edgy. As a result, I have piles of unanswered texts and messages everywhere. I miss important communications from family because they get buried under the avalanche of other Whatsapp Messages/ Facebook Messages and Instagram messages.

The realisation is this: no matter how much I try, this isn’t going away, unless I physically delete every other app from my phone.

Now that is not practical, for a number of reasons.

Which is why my intention, going forward, is this:

  • To only respond to e-mail messages from clients/bloggers as much as possible(and not the flurry of tags/messages on other channels)
  • To only access my phone and laptop between the hours of 9 AM and 7 PM.

Reading the book, Ikigai, helped me realise that I am over-complicating my life when it can be simplified. Peace and happiness are within my grasp and yet I go out of my way to complicate it.

Also, if there  is any hope that I have of moving forward on my chosen path- as a budding entrepreneur or an aspiring author (yes, that dream is still ticking)- I need to re-assess where I stand in this space.

And make space and time for the things that truly matter.

9 thoughts on “An Intention”

  1. How many times can I say Ditto in my mind, while reading one post? Apparently not enough number of times. 🙂

    Wishing you more balance, peace & joy in the months/years ahead!

  2. Thanks Esha. I think it’s a question of understanding and learning from our mistakes. I’m happy to have read an entire book last night after writing this post. 🙂

  3. I know right? There are days when I just want to not even look at the laptop or phone. Realised it was getting to me. Hence this decision. And yes, seriously starting work on the book soon now that I have a better handle on my time.

  4. I am so glad I did it. Last night I switched off at 7 pm and finished a whole book, ‘The five people you meet in Heaven’ in under 3 hours. Haven’t slept that happy in a long time. ?

  5. I always believe that your intentions should begin when you are ready and not have to wait for a new year or even a new month. I find that we follow through much better on them when we do that.

    Oh you’ll love the book. I do 🙂

  6. I’m so glad that you took note of the overwhelm before it took control over your life, Shailaja! I work from home like you and completely understand how crazy it must be for you to juggle ALL of that, and I hardly work a fraction of the total hours that you give to your work. I sincerely pray and wish that you find your way around this and work your way to happiness, optimal health and mental peace!

  7. I wanted to ask you about your memoir recently but didn’t want to overwhelm you. Good to know that it’s still at the back of your mind. I can only imagine how you must be feeling. I’ve cur back social media like crazy but then I can afford to. You are in a different area of work. It’s good that you have taken note of this and I hope you work out an optimal path. Good luck!

  8. I can imagine the overwhelm. I love how you are always quick to realise a problem and figure out a solution – a change in lifestyle or in the way you manage things -to make it better. To me the happiest part in your post is that bit about your book – do keep at it.

  9. I am checking the book right away. And I am just the opposite, I reply on all the media except the email. Somehow typing a reply to an email sounds more tedious and serious. I am trying to overcome it but I fail.

    Yes this new year I might have some intentional changes. But isn’t too early to talk about it yet?

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