I’m not even thinking about it, I put my body on autopilot and left work with the intention to come directly here and start writing. I parked near the building and saddled up to the same slice of bartop. Ordered the Hot Buttered Rum (not as good tonight/different bartender) and immediately pulled out my laptop. I set up a shortcut to the Add New Post page, so I’m less likely to open up the browser and get distracted before actually starting to write.
This is probably the best thing that could have happened related to me trying to build this writing habit. The ability to find something that works, and the ability to repeat it again the next available opportunity without having to deviate too much from the formula. After it’s engrained enough to become a habit, I can narrow the focus to writing and change up the other elements like place and time.
Stringing this together with other things I know about myself:
My mind feels freest in the morning hours, unencumbered by swirling thoughts and visual cues that the external world demands I be a cog in the capitalist system. It freely wanders through gut wrenching grief for losses that still sting, while detouring through an academic-like curiosity about the human spirit and its capacities. Occasionally I even come to conclusions from processing information overnight; as if a shift happens and all the sudden I’ve known that information all along.
This “brain freely wandering” time needs to become the “writing time” so I can write about all these things I’m thinking.
First steps first. Let’s make this writing a habit and see where we get from there.
Bonus note: When I got home last night after my Day 1 post I continued to work on my goals. This included writing down notes from the whiteboard onto the giant sticky note pad I borrowed from work and hung it up on the wall. I also took measurements and cut the elastic for my packer project.
I did end up passing out on the couch again and not going to the hammock to sleep. I need to get better about not doing that.
Just the next right thing.
Right now, we’re killin’ it by getting this writing going.
You’re doing a good job, buddy.
You’re hanging in there during a difficult time at work. You’re short staffed and overloaded with tasks, but you’re doing it and managing not to let too much slip through the cracks!
You hung in there during the three weeks in October when therapy wasn’t an option. (You got in a slump but recognized it and made changes to pull yourself out of it – going to the pub for writing after work.)
You made improvements to the garage (where you live) so it’s less cluttered and easier to keep different sections heated this winter. This means no more huddling in one spot for warmth, more ability to move around the space.
You’ve also cleared a space for exercise equipment and moved it to the point of performance. It’s ready to be used.
Yes you’re still having issues with food, but this is only going to happen one step at a time. Try to remember not to beat yourself up about it if you make a decision to get food that isn’t so great for you when you’re out of your window of tolerance. You can only do so much, and when other things start to line up because you make them habits, you can move on to trying to make the food things habits…