This is something I've been doing intuitively for years in the pages of my journal to help me prepare for my day overall. By checking in on how I'm doing right now, I can step into my day with more balance and intention. For example, if my energy levels are low, maybe it's not the day to tackle everything on my to-do list. The thought of using this approach to decide how I show up for my writing session specifically has never occurred to me before now—and it's genius! I will definitely be using this! Thanks, Allison. :)
Oh, fantastic! I’m so glad this is aligned with something you already do naturally and that it will nicely flow into your writing habits. I love hearing feedback like this. Thanks for being here and for reading, Dylan. I really appreciate it.
This is fantastic advice. So often prompts force you into creating when your mind isn't in a state to create. Sometimes the mind wants to edit or make lists.
You stop opening a manuscript in total freedom. We narrow the aperture first. Your questions - the constraints they bring - doesn't limit the session, it's making it possible.
"Write your feelings" is harder because total freedom can be paralysis. I think we need constraints to inspire us. Written language is a constraint. Word counts are constraints. Photography is constrained as an image in a frame. A composer by the instruments available. But people find joy and creativity by virtue of the constraints.
You're asking "what are my constraints today, and how can I work with them?" That feels like a sensible question.
I love this sentiment. What works for one may not work due another, so follow what your writing wants most in that moment.
✨ flow with the flow 🙂
Thanks for reading, Emily. I appreciate you.
This is something I've been doing intuitively for years in the pages of my journal to help me prepare for my day overall. By checking in on how I'm doing right now, I can step into my day with more balance and intention. For example, if my energy levels are low, maybe it's not the day to tackle everything on my to-do list. The thought of using this approach to decide how I show up for my writing session specifically has never occurred to me before now—and it's genius! I will definitely be using this! Thanks, Allison. :)
Oh, fantastic! I’m so glad this is aligned with something you already do naturally and that it will nicely flow into your writing habits. I love hearing feedback like this. Thanks for being here and for reading, Dylan. I really appreciate it.
Same! It feels like a new way to use an old tool, and I'm super grateful for it. Excited to keep reading your work!
🤍
I do this already and it is so helpful.
Oh, I’m so glad! I love hearing that. 🥰 Thank you for letting me know it is valuable.
I like this! I’m going to try it out and see what I find.
Glad to hear it. :) Happy writing!
This is fantastic advice. So often prompts force you into creating when your mind isn't in a state to create. Sometimes the mind wants to edit or make lists.
Yes! Exactly. Work with the mind, not against it. I'm glad this feels aligned with what you need. :)
Your three questions are constraints.
You stop opening a manuscript in total freedom. We narrow the aperture first. Your questions - the constraints they bring - doesn't limit the session, it's making it possible.
"Write your feelings" is harder because total freedom can be paralysis. I think we need constraints to inspire us. Written language is a constraint. Word counts are constraints. Photography is constrained as an image in a frame. A composer by the instruments available. But people find joy and creativity by virtue of the constraints.
You're asking "what are my constraints today, and how can I work with them?" That feels like a sensible question.