As 2017 drew to a close, temperature scarves or afghans (a row finished each day for one full year –with the day’s high temperature determining the yarn color you use) were all the rage in my crafty/quilty social media feeds.
I thought it sounded like fun! For a little twist, instead of working from January 1 – December 31, I started on November 25, my son’s 14th birthday, with a plan to give it to him on his 15th birthday.
It was slow going with only one row each day. Not exactly awe inspiring. I’m not a patient person by nature, and I wanted the days to go by faster so I could feel like I was getting somewhere.
But, I stuck to the plan of one row per day. After all, if the high temperature of each day determines the color of the row, there’s no way to cheat.
You have to wait.
If time creeps along at its own petty pace, I crocheted at mine.
By the time Christmas rolled around I had several inches. Not much, but respectable.
Another month, a few more inches. Then a few nights ago, I stretched out the afghan across my legs.
By golly — it was starting to look like something. Somehow, without my really noticing, I’d “gotten somewhere.”
Life’s often like that, and it’s only by stopping regularly to take note of where you’re been and where you are now that you see how far you’ve come.
When I feel impatient, I remind myself: a little progress is still progress.
Celebrate the small steps. They got you to where you are!
On any given day my afghan may not grow very much, but over an extended period of time, all the rows add up to something big.
Because big things take time.
Always.
It doesn’t matter if it’s raising a family, making a quilt, building a house, or becoming a world-class athlete. There’s simply no way to do everything all at once, and pretending there is is a recipe for disaster.
My afghan is supposed to take a year to make, and there aren’t bonus points awarded for a speedier finish.
Next time you’re feeling pressured and in a hurry, ask yourself, “What’s the rush?”
There may not actually be one.
Hi Gina! I love this and loved your daffodil post. I found you through Bonnie Hunter as I am sure many of us have, but YOU snagged me. My husband and I are inching toward retirement, getting closer to being financially ready all the time. Your message today reminded me of how those IRA contributions have really added up. Looking forward to more great posts. Thank you for the inspiration! Deb-in-jersey
Thanks, Deb! It makes my heart happy when what I write resonates with other people.
And congratulations on the growing nest egg to make for a joyous retirement!
Thank you for giving this reminder, I am retired and some days are just for reading and not much else…. and others are filled with a lot of things to do so in the end I am getting forward to a result.
Love from Annette in Danmark
Oooh, where in Denmark — I attended Dana College in Nebraska, a school founded by Danish immigrants, so I have a soft spot for all things Danish, especially readers.?
Good morning Gina- I too was introduced to you by Bonnie Hunter. I scrappy quilt and scrappy crochet. I’m retired, thought for a slower pace, but, not slower, just different! Now it’s grandkids, gifts and quilts for a children’s home and school here in Kentucky, HOSPICE and Veterans quilts. I’m just now beginning to dig in the garden because it’s been so cold and wet here. Enough about me. Loved your inspirational words and Afghan. Looking forward to hearing more from you? Have a GREAT DAY! Diann
Thanks for stopping by! I’m just getting my garden growing, and for the same reason — it’s been cold! Congratulations on the retirement and different pace of life filled with meaningful activities.
Loved seeing yours…Mine is starting to show promise also. I am thinking of extending mine for another year using the LOW daily temperature.
I can’t wait to see what they look like when its time for Show and Tell. ❤️
I’ve toyed with the idea of doing two for a single year — a high and a lows.
Love the afghan! Inch-by-inch has been my philosophy for a long time. It’s the little things that make the big things. Thanks for the reminder!
You’re welcome! And thank YOU for stopping by 🙂