Learning Moments

On reclaiming time for what truly matters

A friend of mine was restless before a long weekend, mentioning all the stuff she needed to get done before even thinking about leaving. I recognised the feeling immediately. I have been that friend many times.

I get frenetic before holidays, too. I need to get everything done first.

The same happens before I let myself paint. There is always a list — if not on paper, then running quietly in my head like background software I forgot to quit. That’s just me.

The inheritance

My getting-things-done reflex is inherited. I grew up with it: first finish, then enjoy. Get things done, and you earn time for what you love. 

That’s the promise.

Except things are never done. Finishing just makes room for more. So the painting always comes last.

The trap

For days now, I’ve wanted to lose myself in colour pots and big canvases. I haven’t. I keep doing other things that feel more urgent, more manageable, easier to tick off. 

My list isn’t the villain. My inherited reflex is. I’m the one frustrating myself — believing the myth that you have to perform and produce to deserve joy.

The escape

Busyness can be a hiding place. It gives the illusion of moving forward — with many tasks, but not necessarily the most important ones.

When I choose to answer one more email instead of picking up a brush, it isn’t really about productivity. Writing that email gives me immediate satisfaction — finished, gone, done.

Painting offers none of that. It needs presence, not rush. To slow down, settle in, and begin — not knowing where it will lead, how it will go, or when it’s done.

Easy tasks are seductive precisely because they end.

As Leo Babauta puts it: 

Most of us are either super busy (but not always focusing on what matters), or we’re busy avoiding the things that matter with distractions. 
Leo Babauta

I have been doing both.

Unlearning

I’m learning to break that pattern — choosing the canvas before the list is done, and giving it my full attention, not whatever time is left.

Painting doesn’t belong on a to-do list. It belongs first.

What’s your “painting” — the thing that always comes last?

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The bit at the end

Exciting events on the horizon to support your exploration:

• What if the most rebellious thing you could do right now is pause?
  Pause with us—find out more about Rebel with a Pause here and join us for a free monthly 30-minute pause.
• Curious to experience Street Wisdom for yourself — inspiring, surprising, and quietly powerful? Reach out, and let’s wander with wonder through the streets, alleys, and bridges of Alkmaar or Amsterdam. Learn more about Street Wisdom here.
• Join the next Unhurried Conversation—a space to slow down, listen, and connect. We meet every 2nd Monday of the month. It’s free, and you’re warmly welcome. Sign up here.
• For more Learning Moments, subscribe to my newsletter and get timely updates straight to your inbox.

Reach out,  I’m always open for a chat.
Creatively,
Nadia

P.S.The paintings featured on the blog are my own.