Creative Space - Creative Solution or Creative Problem?

So, I have this great creative space (I really do have to post some pictures soon!), and this is where I work on Write Well U.  I found that the juices just don't flow in my office, so I go to Starbucks or work in my creative space. 

Since my laptop hasn't arrived (don't even get me started!), I've taken care of my 40-minute reboot problem this week by leaving my laptop in my creative space and then unplugging and lugging it downstairs (still turned on) to my office to work wirelessly when I have Virtual Angel or AssistU work to do. 

However, I've found that there's one problem with leaving my computer in my creative space day and night.

I want to stay connected all the time.

It's mighty tempting to check Groove to see if my fabulous new intern has checked yet something else off my huge list since I last checked (oh, about five minutes ago...).  Or maybe I can still keep my e-mail inbox down to one item (yes, that's ONE item, ladies and gentlemen,  a real record for Ms. Goldberg).  I'm almost paranoid now about keeping that to that lovely number.  Or if I've had a new breakthrough regarding WWU, then I could write it down !

I guess I need to 'fess up.  It's not just tempting to do all this; I DO do all this.  Sigh.

Here I am, trying to create a life of BEing instead of DOing, and up goes another stumbling block, this one of my own creation.  I've spent months trying to separate work from my personal life and to create boundaries.  Now, I'm blurring those lines and letting my boundaries slip. 

Lucky me that I've recognized it and can remove it.

So, downstairs goes my old laptop on a more permanent basis.  Problem solved until my new computer gets here.  Then, I have to institute very strict and clear boundaries about my computer having permanent residence in my creative space. 

Here are some initial guidelines for my new computer to retain residency status in the DCS (Dawn's Creative Space):

1. Have set times that I'm working in DCS and stick to it.  They can change on a daily basis, but I need to start the day with a clear intention of when I'm working in DCS, and when I'm leaving. 
2. The computer actually gets turned off at end time.  It's really an invasion of my personal life to be checking e-mail and Groove on my way to bed.  Just because DCS is a minor fiefdom in the kingdom of Chris and Dawn's Bedroom doesn't give it primary jurisdiction.
3. Just because my computer has permanent residency status in the DCS does not mean I have to work on WWU all the time.  I still need to keep my boundaries clear, work on BEing instead of DOing, and continue having fun along with working.

Adherence to these guidelines does not guarantee permanent residence status in the DCS, but it does help.

Anything else I should add?

Comments

[Stacy]

Given that it's a laptop, consider that, when you've finished working on WWU and have turned it off, it should be removed from the DCS, and stowed elsewhere.

Somewhere, not far away (mere steps, really), but out of sight, and away from temptation. Somewhere like, say, the shelf in your closet, or in the guest bedroom.

:)
S

[Dawn Goldberg]

Good point, Stacy, and one that I probably wouldn't have thought of. I would have thought that just turning it off would be good enough, but I agree - I think I'll need to remove it completely.

Also, it hasn't been a problem (yet), but I can see that all the work I'm doing in the DCS can start creating some different energy. That energy is probably not something I want in Chris and Dawn's Bedroom. It might be time to invest in a screen or two.

Shopping trip to World Market, perhaps? :-)

Thanks for the advice, S!

D