I have a love/hate relationship with reading break. I love not having to attend classes and just focus on one thing (in my case family and work – mostly work though (sigh)). What I don’t like about reading break is this false sense of freedom – it’s like a reminder of days of not full of classes, readings, and due dates/assignments and then BOOM! All done! Back at ‘er….
My motivation slips post-reading break and that feels dangerous. I am currently going through Brightspace to see what upcoming due dates are (nothing that I can see – will actually have to go through syllabuses – darn it!) and mark it in a day-timer, that, let’s be honest, I rarely review. I must just run on pure terror when due dates start to approach, because I do get the work done.
How is this good for me? It’s not – so it’s a pattern that I recognize and have yet to move from pre-contemplation into contemplation, much like so many things in my life.
Ok, it’s not that bad – I am taking care of myself by eating well. I sleep pretty good and I have taken to walking to and from work this term. Plus, I started running (well run/walk – it’s been a while since I did any running so thought a gradual entry would be a good idea to hopefully reduce injuries). So far I am enjoying the process and am only doing it a manageable 2 days/week. With the running comes stretching and that is another thing I need to do more of – with all this sitting at a computer I have become quite inflexible.
So, that’s the weekly free inquiry reflection – goal this week is to get assignments marked in day-timer and find my motivation to get through the rest of this term, maybe it’s behind the couch?
March 17, 2021 at 3:41 pm
I feel you, reading break shifted things for me too. Although you are juggling a lot more than I am, I am finding it so helpful for my motivation to get assignments done if I have gotten outside and or exercised! Do you find your focus shifts after moving?
March 21, 2021 at 12:11 pm
I need to ponder on assignments before I start them. Sometimes I get the motivation/a focus from a spark after ruminating on it for a few days, and it usually happens while in the shower or in the middle of the night, but I’ll take it where ever and whenever it hits me. When we went outside for the PHE class this past week, and I heard the birdsong, I realized I need to be outside more, whether that be running, walking, gardening or being still – all will benefit my well-being which can be a part of this self-care journey.
March 19, 2021 at 8:55 am
I can totally relate to this and I had a few good laughs reading it! False sense of security and running on terror – totally. Well done! You know, if you didn’t find your motivation behind the sofa, I hope you at least found a little change so you could buy a treat from 7-11…