Unexpected downtime

I continue on my journey of semi-retirement, entrepreneurship and self-discovery. I recently got locked out of my client’s workspace due to unforeseen circumstances. My contract with them ran through the end of June. We had agreed to continue for another 6 months, so that wasn’t the issue. The paperwork was started for me to continue as a contractor a month before the contract expired. However, the paperwork got lost in the bureaucratic jungle. Starting on the 1st I was on ‘hiatus’. Last week wasn’t too bad but now we are entering week two of this forced unexpected downtime. I’m relearning something about myself – I don’t like downtime.

I mean really we all knew this about me already. I lasted in the ‘retired’ status for a milli-second. Don’t get me wrong. I’m a firm believer in taking time off to charge your batteries…but I am who I am. And given too much downtime, I tend to get stir crazy. Instead of being productive (cleaning the house, doing laundry, picking up), I find myself over thinking some thoughts that don’t need to be overthunk.

When I know there’s potential for downtime, I am prepared. I usually bring a crochet project with me to the doctor’s waiting room to occupy my hands (and my brain). When I traveled for work, I crocheted loads of scarves, pacifier clips and baby booties which is a decidedly fabulous use of trapped air time. I don’t particularly like reading e-books, so I often dragged a book along (if it isn’t too heavy) for longer flights.

So why can’t I tackle my Mary-do’s? I don’t know. But I’ve learned that through journaling I’m often able to break through whatever is holding me back. Part of the issue I suspect is the size of the project. I have stuff from my mom and dad’s house that I know will take some effort to work through – partially due to the amount of stuff, but also due to the emotions that get triggered. I do have some smaller Mary-do’s and just by typing this, I can visualize knocking them out. I have the hammer and nails here, so I’m off to hang some art. Following that, I’m either going to attempt to finish my crochet scarf (this one has taking forever – I think because I don’t like the pattern with the yarn but I’m not about to rip it out and start again.) or if I’m feeling really ambitious, I bought a ‘teach yourself how to knit’ kit that I thought might be fun.

Or…maybe I just enjoy the downtime. Force myself to breathe and lean into it for a little bit.

What do you do when you have unexpected downtime?

Here are some Styx and Cyndi Lauper to get you and me singing through this downtime!

Is it any wonder I’ve got too much time on my hands
It’s tickin’ away with my sanity
I’ve got too much time on my hands

It’s hard to believe such a calamity
I’ve got too much time on my hands
And it’s tickin’ away
Tickin’ away from me

Lyin’ in my bed, I hear the clock tick and think of you
Caught up in circles, confusion is nothing new
Flashback, warm nights almost left behind
Suitcase of memories
Time after

Sometimes you picture me, I’m walkin’ too far ahead
You’re callin’ to me, I can’t hear what you’ve said
Then you say, “Go slow”, I fall behind
The second hand unwinds

If you’re lost, you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall, I will catch you, I’ll be waiting
Time after time