The greatest philosophers, poets and scientists have pondered the meaning of time. I think my favourite way of looking at time is that we all have the same 24 hours in a day , but as J.R.R. Tolkien says “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

For me time is something that is very precious these days. Now that I am past the midway mark of my life span I know I have a limited amount of time in which to achieve all that I want to. Yet somewhere in there has got to be time to relax and play. Something believe it or not, I have to work at to make happen.

These days I feel like I am segmenting my time into little bits. A little bit of this here, a little bit of that there. A kaleidoscope of coloured bits constantly rearranging themselves to make the pattern of my days and weeks.

I have a fairly finely tuned body clock now. I know for instance when the best times are for me to create in, the best times to write clearly and think clearly as opposed to the times its best for me to be on auto pilot. I know that if I want together things done in the evening, then I will need a little rest after lunch. I’m lucky to have that opportunity to make my work hours flexible.

It’s easy to get caught up in the daily chores, the dishes, washing and cleaning. Those are the bits I fit in and around the rest of the day’s activities so they don’t eat away at the creative times of the day. I know dishes can be done while waiting for the kettle to boil. That it is important to have a time away from the computer for a coffee break and that papermaking, like washing, is best done in the morning when it can dry in the sun all day.

The important part of staying accountable to yourself is turning up in the studio or workbench whatever you create best. Even though there is no one to check up on me, I turn up for work at 9am. Prioritising immediate tasks is essential, as there are always deadlines to meet. A little bit done in small chunks means those deadlines are not so scary.

Being organised to a greater or lesser degree helps my head feel clearer and tasks seem easier to achieve I have a daily to do list that I like to check off as I get things done. It gives me a sense of achievement. I’ve also taken to scheduling ahead of time so I don’t have rush.

What I choose to do with my times essential for my mental health. How I choose to think about the tasks ahead is part of it. If walk into a clean studio each morning, I feel like anything and everything is possible. It’s a great way to begin my creative time.