I seem to relate so much to this post. As an African I grew up knowing that productivity meant something I can account for in terms of money even when I felt awful inside. All along I felt the urge to slow down and think a little more about the way the clouds changed on a sunny afternoon. I wanted to take longer showers and spend a little more time getting ready without the anxiety of running out of time. Thank you Alice. This is such an enjoyable read.
I totally hear you! I have a few African friends, and I find that our cultures are very similar in terms of valuing practical careers. I’m glad you found the time to gaze at clouds and take longer showers… I recently started a 30 day drawing challenge. It’s so lovely to be in the moment and really focused on admiring God‘s beautiful creations.
Yes to flowers. Yes to slowing down and enjoying life -- and new year's intentions. Mine for this year is joy and abundance. Typically, in the past, I chose only one word, but then I thought why limit myself, I'll choose two!
Love the flowers - such a luxury for us practical immigrant kids. love the joy and abundance ideas! How are you bringing abundance into your life? I def grew up (and still struggle with) the scarcity mentality....
I think a gratitude practice helps me feel abundant. For example, I marvel and very much enjoy a full cupboard and fridge full of food. I remind myself that little pleasures and nice moments are things to be grateful for, and they help me feel like I live a full life.
I think it's so important to do things for the sake of it, rather than for some productive output. For me, I have to find small things (like skin care routines or gardening non-edible plants) that I have a hard time tying to any sort of output/productivity/commercialization.
That's great! Yes I was just re-reading Austin Kleon (Steal Like an Artist) who talks about the importance of not commercializing everything into "hustles" or else we lose our artistic / creative freedom. I recently started sketching! Or... rather, ahem, doodling. So fun. Kleon also talked about the importance of maintaining day jobs - so I'm grateful I get to primarily coach as my day job ;) Glad you've found some good non-monetized hobbies (and your skin looks amazing lol)
Yes, mine is to get better at comparing my life to others. (I learned it's kinda impossible to stop comparing, but you can get better at it, so to speak.) But I really want to set an intention to make sure I have some sort of fun each day.
I seem to relate so much to this post. As an African I grew up knowing that productivity meant something I can account for in terms of money even when I felt awful inside. All along I felt the urge to slow down and think a little more about the way the clouds changed on a sunny afternoon. I wanted to take longer showers and spend a little more time getting ready without the anxiety of running out of time. Thank you Alice. This is such an enjoyable read.
I totally hear you! I have a few African friends, and I find that our cultures are very similar in terms of valuing practical careers. I’m glad you found the time to gaze at clouds and take longer showers… I recently started a 30 day drawing challenge. It’s so lovely to be in the moment and really focused on admiring God‘s beautiful creations.
Yes to flowers. Yes to slowing down and enjoying life -- and new year's intentions. Mine for this year is joy and abundance. Typically, in the past, I chose only one word, but then I thought why limit myself, I'll choose two!
Love the flowers - such a luxury for us practical immigrant kids. love the joy and abundance ideas! How are you bringing abundance into your life? I def grew up (and still struggle with) the scarcity mentality....
I think a gratitude practice helps me feel abundant. For example, I marvel and very much enjoy a full cupboard and fridge full of food. I remind myself that little pleasures and nice moments are things to be grateful for, and they help me feel like I live a full life.
I think it's so important to do things for the sake of it, rather than for some productive output. For me, I have to find small things (like skin care routines or gardening non-edible plants) that I have a hard time tying to any sort of output/productivity/commercialization.
That's great! Yes I was just re-reading Austin Kleon (Steal Like an Artist) who talks about the importance of not commercializing everything into "hustles" or else we lose our artistic / creative freedom. I recently started sketching! Or... rather, ahem, doodling. So fun. Kleon also talked about the importance of maintaining day jobs - so I'm grateful I get to primarily coach as my day job ;) Glad you've found some good non-monetized hobbies (and your skin looks amazing lol)
The experience and emotion here are conveyed like a story clearly told by a journalist, and a gifted one, at that!
Aww, thank you so much, Bob! Hope you and Meg get to have lots of fun this year too!
Lovely and simple goal!
Do you have any goals for the year? 😅
Yes, mine is to get better at comparing my life to others. (I learned it's kinda impossible to stop comparing, but you can get better at it, so to speak.) But I really want to set an intention to make sure I have some sort of fun each day.
https://shriekingcactus.substack.com/p/torture-of-comparing-yourself-to-others
Got it! Just commented. I hear you on the midlife transition 😅
Thanks so much! Yes, I think this goal will be easy for me to remember this year 😅