Yesterday I began a conversation with my new life coach, Rebecca. She is doing her PhD and needs
practicum hours so I am helping her out. But really she is helping me out. Normally they charge $200/hr and I pay a tenth of that cost!
The conversation revolved around how I am spending my summer. It is clear to me now, after talking to her, that I value spending my time wisely. Following the rabbit hole of the internet is not as good to me as reading a book, painting a picture, or going for a bike ride!
She formatted the conversation thus: She asked for a goal, then what was being done to achieve that, then analyse what I valued, then decide how to better achieve that goal, then take that as homework.
So one of my goals was to plan relaxation in advance rather than just letting it happen. Previously I stuck a sticker to my calendar when I accomplished an activity--a smiley face for exercise; and a star for painting. However, this had become a bit of an afterthought as I filled it out at the end of the day. Having a plan for
what I would paint and
how I would exercise became important.
So, we talked about my values and how I would carry that out. At work, I enjoyed the freedom, this year, to make my own curriculum sheets and daily activity plans. At my last job we were given specific curriculum sheets and due dates. As a beginner, that helped, though now that I am adept at filling one of those out, having the curriculum sheets specialized and specific really made a difference to my planning activities and inquiries.
I formatted a curriculum sheet, used it for a week, formatted it again, used it for another week... until I felt good about it.
Recently I needed a calendar, so decided to DIM (Do-It-Myself), which should be no surprise, if you know me. I love making useful things personalized and beautiful! Plus it is easier on the budget. An important variable considering being an ECE in the school board means no paid summers. (A tiny price to pay for my dream job).
All things considered, I decided to DIM again and make a personalized and beautiful watercolour planner. And this is how it turned out!
Yesterday I planned to make two different paintings on my brand new trial watercolour paper* and ended up doing three, because, what joy it brings!!
* I tried out my new Fluid Watercolour Paper (Cold Press Finish) 6x6". The paper can be painted on while it is attached to the pad. It is attached at two sides, instead of one, essentially stretching out the paper to prevent buckling. OMG so helpful. Canson is quite terrible for the buckling problem, so what a difference! I am never going back. (Sorry makers of Canson, you are good student grade).
