Howditgo?!
It went well… thank you! So, I did start the NVC infographic on the flipchart, though indoors rather than out, as the chilly sunshine had turned to actual snow by the time I was ready to begin. I spent maybe an hour on it, v happy, v in the zone, getting about a third of the way round the flipchart paper. Then G. came for a chat, and then Ana came and joined me, and she and I sat and chatted on the sofa for a good hour and a half. My NVC infographic, even though incomplete, sparked off such a wonderful conversation with Ana about difficult conversations and expressing needs. We looked too at Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies and found Ana was a ‘Rebel’ which gave us lots more to discuss and explore. Then she told me about her plans for her upcoming dissertation. She goes back to university today so the conversation, and the time together and the open, rolling conversation was so incredibly precious.
And how did/do you feel about not having completed the flipchart?
Ha! Initially in my conversation with G. and Ana I noticed a part of myself tugging to ‘complete the project’. I softly put that part of me to rest, pointing out to it that, even half done, the creative project was serving its purpose! To communicate, to connect, to inspire dialogue! It was a good lesson.
And today? It’s the last day of my Christmas hols too, with work back on tomorrow (Monday). I’m a little anxious the project won’t get done. I think the learning is:
- Remember bit by bit is fine for creative projects – just keep coming back – like to a painting with fresh eyes
- Getting back to the project is a bit like ‘getting on the mat’ – the more you do it the more you know you can
- I’m inclined to create a daily ‘Creative Hour’ like I have created this ‘Quiet Time Hour’ and the ‘Body Hour’ (FitBit, qigong, shower and dress) and a ‘Zero Inbox Hour’ (5pm each day) and a ‘Walk & Talk Hour’ at lunchtime each day…
Today in my 15min Med I had a v sweet Creative Impulse…
Today’s Creative Impulse:
To make my beautiful late Mum the ‘patron saint’ of the Create Project.
Why? Because, my goodness, as a photographer, she was SO creative, so productive – constantly clicking, developing (or later photoshopping and printing) and SHARING her work with others (including via the local paper as a photo journalist for years). Her work brought so much joy to others. And she didn’t hesitate or quibble about how her work would be received (well, a little bit for formal portraits and wedding photos!) – but largely, she just kept on – kept on – completing the creation and moving on to the next one. Day after day after day. <3
[PS. Patron saint is tongue in cheek because she was v modest, and also v witty and fun so it’s a light-hearted touch she would enjoy I think…. but also, in all truth, she was flipping saintly. Furthermore, patron saints look over, inspire, and support certain allocated activities – and I would like to invite Mum to give some of her loving off-world support to this on-world project. Amen and thank you, dear Mum.]
Also, I’d like to have a sense of who I’m talking to in my social media – a friendly audience – maybe I can just talk to her?
So, I’ve just received two wonderful canvases I ordered of Mum as a young woman. I’m going to put them up as a centrepiece [‘altar’ is a bit much?] in the office.
Any other thoughts today?
Dig deep into your heart in these days. We see your pain about NST and your bubbling dread about going back to work. Lean into your FUTURE vision: ONE JAM. It will work. You will also be able to bring others in to deliver H2D. Your thoughts about future revenue are spot on too. Hold the vision and keep exercising your creative muscle – and the twain shall combine before you know it.
Thank you so much. I needed to hear that. I do believe this Creative work will be a game-changer for me.
Indeed.
Mum exercised her creative muscle daily, didn’t she?
She most certainly did – with endless, boundless joy. Remember her motto: “It’s got to be fun!”
Yes! Excellent. Thank you! So running with the muscle exercising metaphor – we’re talking about more Mr Motivator, and less young Arnold Schwarzenegger. Got it.
Let’s go create!
I am exercising my creative muscle