enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

Here2 Here3 Here6 Here4 Here5 Here7

Oh man, crazy week.

It's no secret that I have a full plate these days.

There is just a lot going on. So many things. So many projects that I want to tackle and so many ideas that I want to act on. My brain imploded a little bit on Tuesday and I realized that I have to be much much smarter about what I commit to. I have to say "no" to the things that leave me feeling depleted. I have to say "yes" to the projects that fill me up.

It's my one little word, WHOLE, in action.

I did some thinking about my attitude at 6pm each day when Paul gets home from work. On the days where my hours are eaten up by "non-passion projects" I tend to be irritable and ready to throw the baby at him and hide in my room. On the days where I work on "passion projects" (more on what I find to be the difference between the two in a future post) I am upbeat and relaxed heading into our time together.

What's funny is that the amount of "work time" I spend every day is about the same. I put in the same hours but sometimes I am totally fulfilled and other days I feel like I've given too much.

I think this is what people mean when they say "work smarter, not harder." I am at a point in my personal and business life where my time is so very precious. I've worked really hard to get here and am going to continue to work hard, but it's about time I worked smart too.

Obviously every job comes with challenges and it's insane to expect complete satisfaction every day. But I do think that it's realistic to think hard about future opportunities from a "is this the right fit for me truly?" standpoint. It's better for everyone (me, Paul, Ellerie, perspective collaborators and future customers) if I head towards those "best fit" projects that make me excited to go to work.

two semi-related things : I love this sketch by artist Sirin Thada of a quote from HBO's GIRLS & this is a great TED talk from the COO of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg.

ps. I am on the habit blog this month sharing glimpses into my days. Talk about something that's worth the effort. I am enjoying getting out my big camera more often.

Posted in ,

17 responses to “around here.”

  1. Leah Noble Avatar

    I love, love, love when you talk about work and balancing your family life and your work life. I can’t get enough! Bring it on!

    Like

  2. Melissa Avatar
    Melissa

    So loving that image if Elleries little feet and a big book!!! Just perfect!

    Like

  3. Armalite Avatar

    This picture of Ellerie “reading” is just ❤ ❤ ❤

    Like

  4. Jodi Avatar

    oh, so nice to see you over on habit!

    Like

  5. Carol Avatar

    Love that picture of Ellerie. Made me chuckle – too cute!

    Like

  6. Danielle Avatar

    This is such a good post. Good in a whole sense and meaning of “good”. We should all take care to put our own oxygen masks on. And maybe oxygen masks look more like a messy office, or a paint brush, or a glass of wine than an actual mask. But whatever these life saving devices look like, I think it is good to hear of women taking care of themselves. It is a message we must spread.

    Like

  7. The Blessed Beanstalk Avatar

    Oh.my.word. AMEN, Danielle. Man, I needed that just as much as I needed Elise’s post this morning. Thank you both! 🙂

    Like

  8. Elise Avatar

    yes yes. you cannot be anything to anyone unless you are someone to yourself.

    Like

  9. JillT Avatar
    JillT

    Some advice 🙂 You can’t put cute Ellerie pics in the same post as your wonderful words of advice (for YOU that really end up being for all of us). {I am totally diverted by the cutie even when I only see parts of her.} Actually, I was able to concentrate on the words too. No matter what stage of life, I would guess we all need to work smarter and this is a huge need in my particular life.

    Like

  10. Jennifer Benc Avatar
    Jennifer Benc

    Thanks for the blast from the past for me! My daughter turns 11 on the 9th. One of her favourite books is the one Ellerie is reading in this post. I can still recite it! And we still have the book stored with her other faves.

    Like

  11. lindsey Avatar

    i feel like this and have been having these same thoughts. excited to hear the upcoming posts.

    Like

  12. Brooke Avatar

    That picture of Ellerie reading a book on THAT chair – oh my heart!
    My days roll the same way. I have not figured out my balance.

    Like

  13. Casie Avatar

    Great post and reflection on your days and time! I have similar feelings – on days that I have time to follow how I am feeling and work on those projects, I welcome my husband and am more loving towards my boys. On the days no one naps and I don’t have any time to work on what fuels just me, I am crappy and ready to hid in my office! I am excited to hear about what your passion and non-passion projects are.

    Like

  14. Kylie D Avatar
    Kylie D

    Love to know how you covered you black and white X & O and turned it green tones especially getting good coverage over black? 🙂 Love the way it looks with your plants hangn down…..

    Like

  15. Welcome Home Taylor Avatar

    Elise, I feel the exact same way. Lately, I’ve been working so so hard and at night end up feeling exhausted and depleted. Finally, I realized it’s because I’m putting so much effort into things that I don’t even want or love to do. I’m working hard for nothing that makes me happy in the short-term or long-term. I’ve been trying my hardest to change this now-a-days. I love your words and they’re very inspiring (and yea, make me feel a little bit less crazy).
    xoxo
    Taylor
    http://www.welcomehometaylor.com

    Like

  16. Lisa G. Avatar
    Lisa G.

    Ok on a very serious note 😉 the picture of her reading is absolutely priceless! I really hope we see that blown up in your house one day! Homer fingers, how freaking adorable!

    Like

  17. erin Avatar

    i think you are smart to realize what projects enrich your life and which ones deplete it. i know that i am happiest when i am doing what i love, too. and yay for habit!

    Like

Leave a reply to Jodi Cancel reply