10 of Wands: Put it on the Backburner

When I worked in ESL, one of my bosses described me as a plate spinner.

I am sure many of you can relate to the dance of jumping from one task to the next, keeping them all at enough momentum to not lose balance and clatter to the floor.

The Ten of Wands image is a great example of this. A man is carrying ten large wands, his back bent from the weight. The message is clear and simple. . . you are doing too much.

Reversed, this card is a similar meaning, but it is leaning toward the inherent necessity for relief before burnout ensues.

November is a great month to pause and assess priorities before the holiday craze.

Take a moment this weekend to go over your to do’s, and notice what can be set aside for now.

I like using the ToDoist app, which lets me categorize and re-order my priorities. (Not marketing for them, and many apps are similar, but this is the one that works for me if you’re looking).

Here’s some ways to assess rearranging your priorities to make some more room for down time and relaxation.

Perhaps start with noticing the accomplishments of the past 6 months. What have you completed that you can feel good about? Give yourself some credit.

Write out the projects you are currently managing at home and at work, and perhaps even for hobbies.

Put each in one of these categories:

Do it: Use a highlighter to mark the three most essential tasks.

Reschedule: Notice which tasks have a deadline, and ask if any of those dates can be reset to give you more time.

Delegate: Consider which tasks have roles that can delegated to others.

(It’s true that others might not do as fabulous of a job as you would, and control over details is fulfilling. However, you also need to let others support your world.)

Defer to Later: choose some items that can be put aside until another season.

Organize: Can anything on your list be streamlined using an app to make it easier? Can a source like a friend or AI help you find the answers to make it easier?

Drop it: See if anything has not borne the fruit to make it worthwhile anymore. The sunk cost fallacy means we will continue to invest in something in the hopes that our previous effort will make it break through. Some things are better left aside though.

Create a ‘Not To Do’ list of things that you are done with doing.

Then consider balancing the remaining list.

Try the 1-3-5 Rule: Everyday, you can work on one primary goal, 3 manageable tasks, and 5 tiny tasks. This is a great way to make sure that you are chipping away at the big goals while still managing the smaller day-to-day activities.

Are you asking more of yourself than this? Make sure you are being reasonable with how much you require of yourself everyday. Make sure you also schedule in enough time for rest and relaxation.

Let’s task master together over a personal tarot reading, with some spiritual guidance on the matter.

If you are craving more fun things on your list, I offer Tarot Lessons on all the cards. It’s the same cost if you bring a friend, and only $10 extra per hour for each additional person.

Take a fun break with a friend during a Tarot Together session.

If throwing a party is on your list, make your entertainment easy when you hire a tarot or palm reader from Portlandia Fortune Tellers.

I hope you have a great weekend that is the perfect balance of productive, fun, and relaxing.

Take a Load Off,  

Jenna Lynne Roberts

Present Path Tarot

Portlandia Fortune Tellers