I've been on vacation for the past two weeks, which has made me pretty busy being present in the offline world. I've loved spending time face to face with family whom I'm usually so far away from. I've loved spending time on/in the lake and walking/hiking trails. A part of me longs for more of this life of being active outside and present with the people who matter to me. The nice weather of summer will keep me looking for opportunities to be outside and meet up with friends, but when the rains come, how do I still prioritize this activity and presence? Or is Fall simply about something else?
The other thing I noticed while on vacation is how quickly the online world becomes like an overgrown garden when it isn't regularly tended. I've returned home to multiple overflowing inboxes that bring me a sense of overwhelm and inability to keep up. I'm no good at keeping tracking of things that disappear below the fold even though there is a nagging sense that they are still there haunting me. So, what do I do? How do I manage these piles and this sense of overwhelm?
First, I'm working to let go of the need to "Catch up". I allow myself to delete or mark read those items that came in over my vacation and focus instead on the latest shares from those people. Truth be told, the perfectionist in me who desires completion is putting up a TON of resistance, so I move forward with little success. However, I will keep trying. Perhaps with enough practice she can be made to relax and let go.
Second, these moments of overwhelm become perfect motivation to "clean house". This is my opportunity to unsubscribe from the newsletters I rarely read but feel a sense of obligation to stay with because they have been colleagues in the past. It is an opportunity to clean out all of the mailing lists I've been auto-subscribed to because of past purchases, but have no need to keep up with the companies. It is the perfect opportunity for me to take stock of the many Substacks I've subscribed to but, if I'm honest with myself, will never keep up with.
As time goes on, the more I notice my need to simplicity and slowness. When I can find ways to shorten lists, strongly prioritize, and remove inputs, I find I'm more relaxed. When I can take the time I need on the most important things, I enjoy them more. So here I am, metaphorically cleaning my desk so that I can relax and focus.
How do you manage the backlog when you return from vacation? How do you keep overwhelm at bay? I'd love to hear in the comments.