The a-ha moment
A good friend (and amazing art therapist) came over last night for dinner and was tooling around in my workspace. She illuminated the fatal flaw from the pie charts. Several of you also pointed it out. (Leslie, Victoria, I’m looking at you.)
Integration is the key. Combining. Overlapping. Interlocking. I am better focused now after speaking with her. I have clarity again. I remember my bigger-picture goals and I feel like i’m back on track.
- Taking a walk with a friend and bringing the dogs along, rather than always just going out to dinner = fun + chores + health.
- Photographing a project I do for work, or bleeding the project out into one of my own journal quilts or blog entries = work + creativity + fun.
- Taking the stairs, avoiding the cookie counter at work, and planning ahead for snacks = work + health.
At least I made sure not to overlap the dating stripe into the work wedge. Some things just aren’t made for integrating.
If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:
in your profession yes. no integrating… unless there is some other smart clever therapist out there for you! (not a client!)
one never knows.
I met my hubby through my job…
Comment by V — 18 September 2009 @ 10:05 am
I know this is an exercise that has greater depth than just a pleasing arrangement but I think this pattern has great quilt design possibilities!
Comment by Janet — 18 September 2009 @ 11:55 am
Hmmmm Interesting. I tend to compartmentalize myself as well, and this concept of integration is a good one. More forgiving somehow and less rigid while still including the important points. Okay, here’s a creativity challenge for you ~ can you make the chart showing this integration?
Also, what program did you use to make the original pie charts? I’d love to make my own.
Comment by Liz — 19 September 2009 @ 5:01 am
Wonderful visual demonstration of integrating aspects of your life that you thought were at war with each other… The second (overlapping) image has such a sense of cohesion and peacefulness. I hope that putting these intentional overlaps into practice will be bring those qualities to your experience, as well.
Comment by Tracy — 19 September 2009 @ 10:45 am
your ah-ha moment has lent me some clarity as well. i feel inspired to create my own pie chart now as i have been feeling similarly lately – that various aspects of my life are pulling at me all in different directions making me unravel a bit. when i saw your pie wedges all vying for position in the pie chart last week, i never dreamed it would turn out so well-organized, so well-integrated, so at peace. i hope that it allows you to feel less stress while indulging each aspect! thanks for sharing.
Comment by Terisa — 20 September 2009 @ 7:18 pm
Integration is key
It’s hard to get everything accomplished with such busy lives!
Comment by April Pantall — 23 September 2009 @ 9:34 am
I stumble upon your blog and I am in love! A few years ago I scrapped/journalled my therapy and it was an amazing experience. Your work is very inspirational and may just be the motivation I need to get back to it.
Comment by Michele — 6 November 2009 @ 10:22 pm
where’d you go? your missed.
Comment by V — 7 November 2009 @ 5:28 am
Looks like a well thought out plan. Certainly looks less overwhelming and more manageable.
Comment by Shasta — 8 November 2009 @ 2:15 pm
Hey Mal, did I miss an announcement? I miss your posts, when will you be back??
Cheers,
Christine
Comment by Christine — 9 November 2009 @ 12:52 pm
Hoping this finds you well and happy….miss yor posts.
simply,
christine
Comment by christine — 3 December 2009 @ 2:59 pm
Hello. I am an Art therapist in Regina SK. Canada. I have enjoyed reading your blog. My blog is Art Therapy Reflections. My passion these days in teaching Focusing Oriented Art Therapy. Warmly, Karen
Comment by Karen — 5 December 2009 @ 11:30 am
Mal,
Where did you go? Are you still Turning?
Blog reader Leslie
Comment by Leslie — 9 December 2009 @ 10:55 am
Hi Mal, maybe you still check your blog, because I wanted to let you that I’ve nominated you for the Lemonade Stand Award, come check out what it’s all about on my blog!
http://cuttingedgequilt.blogspot.com/
Cheers,
Christine
Comment by Christine — 17 January 2010 @ 6:15 am
thinking that perhaps you have met a wonderful man and that he must be very cute and he is jetting you around the world on marvelous adventures……and you are in remote locations with no internet access……
Comment by christine — 13 February 2010 @ 5:16 am