Makenchips, you mentioned the importance of not letting burnout happen in what you're doing. I do tend to hole up for days, weeks at a time...working/sleeping round the clock, in my own world. I just forget to do the other things that make for a 'healthy' life, which of course leads to a burnout...which leads to holing up.....well, you get the idea. One of the effects of living with those pesky Depression Dragons, I suppose.

What do you all do to avoid burning out on what you do? What kind of limits do you set...or what keeps you reaching even when you don't feel like reaching?

Teri

(good grief, now you've woken her up and here she goes thinking out loud again) :

[macktruck]

to avoid burnout i take walks in a couple of near by state parks. grab a grand kid or two and take a walk. I can also collect sticks along the way. so dual purpose.
macktruck

[squbrigg]

Hi Terri,

It is good that you are asking the right question, that Dragon can be a nasty beast.

When things get too tough for me I: 1) put some good music on and carve , or 2) put some good music on and read, 3) put some good music on and rest, 4) go for a walk with my dog in the woods, alas.....without the music, just the woods own. and my favorite, 5) when I get in the woods, find a good tree, and sit back against it, preferbly along a stream and just listen! I enjoy a light cigar, so that helps me relax, as does the dog. She's the best friend I've ever had, a lot smarter than I am, listens without interruption, and always.....but always....offers good advice. Whoever said that a dog can't talk, has obviously never owned a Siberian Husky!!!

Good to 'see' ya Terri, and I am happy for you and your success.

All the best,

Bob

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

my answer is probably not 'politically correct' but I don't give an old dinged carving tool for politically correct anyway! If a person reads the bible, even for say 5 minutes in the mornings, it sets the tone for the whole day....that and going to church on Sunday and hearing a great sermon....many will scoff at this....but I find it is usually the ones that have never tried it! They are the first to say that something doesn't work!

[Kenny_S]

Amen Dave!

Teri,
When things start to close in around you, you should call a friend; even in the middle of the night. Â*Someone who will listen is priceless. Â*Rick

All good advice, but my favorite is kick back in the recliner, turn on the most boring movie you can find, turn the volume down and take a good power snooze! It's about as good as waking up fresh first thing in the morning!

[Captain_Bandaid]

Sounds to me we all recognize the importance of balance in our lives. We need to provide for the physical, the mental and the spiritual in roughly equal measure. I have two hobby passions so I switch back and forth. I am carving another nativity and still get out to the forge regularly. With cooler weather on tap, I will probably do a lot of forging for a while. When the really cold weather gets here, I can hole up in the carving room and finish the Nativity. Make room, and time, for the people who are close to you, too.

[Colin_Partridge]

My carving is definatly one way for me to avoid burn out. I think Teri if you let it become a chore that is what makes you burn out. I get a whole lot of pleasure out of my customers and friends alike that love my work. I remember when I carved that cane for you and your response when you recieved it made me feel very special. I just finished doing two carvings for the Big Sisters and Big Brothers and for a couple of other charity's and their appreciation for my carvings was probably the best payment I could recieve. BTW I was absolutly amazed at what they brought at their auction. The gift of giving avoids me from burning out I dont think I would burn out no matter how much I carved it really gives me a release. I am very careful not to over commit myself so that I get behind again another sure fire way to burn out. Your problem is that you are becoming famous and that is a definate problem. When you become famous everyone wants your work and when it is just you carving sometimes that can be overwhelming. So take a deep breath do something that totally relax's you and dont over commit yourself. I know what you are going though I have been there now I just do the carvings I want to do.
I hope this has answered your question somewhat remember if your feeling stressed you can drop me an email or give me a call I will always be here.
Hugs
Colin

[Donna_T]

Hi Teri,
I don't carve for a living and I think that makes a difference. Those of you who rely on it for your livlihood must feel extra pressure. Learning when to not take on too much is the trick.

When I am working long hours and the stress is building, I usually try one of two things. One: get outside and do anything--walk, putter, whatever. Two: Clean something. Really clean. In the first case, the oxygen, exercise, and fresh air and peaceful sounds are very relaxing and refreshing. The cleaning thing I learned from my mother...not only are you tired after the job is completed, but you feel better about the space around you cause it's clean and organized.

I agree about the music. If I'm inside the house or shop, music can really lift spirits. All kinds of music can be soothing to the soul...sometimes I like 'elevator' (easy-listening) music and other times, jazz; still other times I get a kick out of oldies--anything to take me to another 'happy' place. A little hop, skip, jig along with the music from time to time--making silly--is good for the soul, too.

You are so talented with so many different kinds of carvings/art. Don't be so hard on yourself and find a way to get away--even for a few minutes. And, like Rick says, call a friend. Just hearing another voice can be so uplifting when you've been solitary for too long.

We're rooting for you, we're proud of you and your every success, and we've been missing you here.

Donna T