What are some of your non-negotiables?
How do they support you?
This week, I really really didn't want to write anything. I'm tired, feeling uncreative, and a lot of me just wants to hibernate, do the bare minimum, and leave.
But, for me, writing this newsletter is the bare minimum. I don't mean that in the sense that 'it'll do' whatever I write. But I do mean it's a non-negotiable for me. It's a habit.
For me it's a promise I made to myself a long time ago. It was something I told myself I could do, and will do, week in, week out. And because I decided this a long time ago, I don't spend my time and mental energy renegotiating. It just is.
It just is.
Is there anything in your life, or work, or creative practice, that 'just is’?
Are these things you appreciate? Or do you wish you could change them?
I ask this because I suspect a lot of things we think that 'just are' could often be changed.
Obvious examples, but not that long ago, in the UK, women couldn't vote, gay people couldn't get married, and there were no cures for deadly diseases. People, collectively, made those changes happen. We all had to imagine something could be different.
Sometimes we have to question what 'just is.' And sometimes, we might decide, with intention, to create rules — or disciplines — for ourselves. Rules that we hold lightly. That are not punitive or sticks to beat ourselves with, but can actually feel supportive. Even if we don't always want to do them ;)
That is what this newsletter is for me. A container to explore; a space to pose a question and meander for a while; a way to connect with someone.
It is time well spent, and I appreciate the quality of attention it asks me to be in while I write.
It is creative practice. And for me, in this form at least, it is non-negotiable.
What are some of your non-negotiables? How do they support you?
What would be on a list of things that support and nourish you? Perhaps not always 'non-negotiable' in the way that my newsletter must be sent at least once a week; but what's on your list that you know, if practised or engaged in consistently (and 'consistently' can just mean according to your rhythm), will be of benefit to you in the long run?
Much love,
Kathryn
Running. Keeps me sane... Mostly sane anyway:)