CREATE

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Over the summer I’ve been listening to the Books, Beach & Beyond podcast, where all kinds of writers are interviewed about their journey to where they are now, what they write, how they write, and why they write.

I love it.

A question the hosts often ask is this one: Are you a plotter (plans out everything in detail before they start writing), or a pantser (starts with an idea and lets it unfold as they go)?

The answers vary hugely. Both types exist and are successful - there’s no right way or best way - but they definitely know which one they are.

It feels like this question is useful in so many more contexts! How do we like to approach the story of our lives? Our work? Our play?

What helps you get your bearings?

What helps you get your bearings?

For 3 days recently, part of my daily commute was a walk from London Victoria to Marble Arch, through a sunny Hyde Park.

It’s not a route I’ve done before, and it’s safe to say I’m not a natural navigator. I’m terrible at finding my way to new places on my own the first time (and often a few times after that!).

In the past I’ve judged myself for this. It felt like a weakness I should be able to fix.

Now I use Maps.

What would be the EASIEST way to do this?

Have you ever tried to create the perfect habit… and ended up never getting started?

For a long time I wanted to add some strength training back into my life.

I know it’s important, I feel better when I do it, it feels good to feel stronger.

And yet for a long time I didn’t do it.

And then felt bad about not doing it.

And still didn’t do it.

Do you need an adventure buddy?

Do you need an adventure buddy?

I love spending time on my own close to home. Reading, journalling in a cafe, doing a puzzle. Nesting and resting and being in my own space.

I also love going further afield. Taking a break from the norm, mixing it up and stepping out of my everyday life - a change of scene.

Sometimes it’s just me.

Sometime it really helps to have a like minded companion. Enter my friend - and adventure buddy - Penny.

Are your 2024 goals gifts or burdens?

Are your 2024 goals gifts or burdens?

Ah January.

A time of setting out your intentions for the year ahead.

For thinking about what you want to be different this year.

For taking time to focus on where you want to spend your time and energy.

It’s a super useful thing to do - we have to dream before we can work out how to make it happen. It’s a gift to give ourselves the time to reflect before we get sucked into the year.

And yet, if we’re not careful we can set the wrong types of goals. Ones stuck in the language of ‘should’ and need’.

Who are your energisers?

Who are your energisers?

Who are your energisers?

The people who you love to spend time with?

The friends who leave you feeling lit up after being in their company?

Where there is a natural reciprocity - of sharing and listening, of give and take, of uplifting and supporting?

I’m just back from a walk and talk with coffee in the park with someone who I feel this way about.

She’s a relatively new friend, from a short overlap in a volunteering role, and we meet up every few months.

We spent the whole time chatting away about everything and anything. I feel happy and connected and energised, and ready to take that into the rest of my day.

What a gift.

Celebrating a year of Morning Pages

Celebrating a year of Morning Pages

I never thought I’d be a person who wrote Morning Pages.

I had always heard about people doing them and thought it wasn’t for me. 3 pages of A4 felt an awful lot, and I didn’t think I had the time.

Even after I bought The Artist’s Way it sat on my bookshelf for at least 2 years. Committing to the whole 12 week plan felt overwhelming.

And yet….

Since September 22nd last year, I’ve filled 7 note books with my (pretty illegible) handwriting.

Every morning for the last 369 days I’ve woken up, opened my notebook, and emptied my head.

Sometimes it’s simply a list of things I’m doing that day, and what I want to remember.

Sometimes there’s a thought in my head that needs to come up.

Some days I’m full of inspiration, other days I write about what the dog is doing at the end of the bed.

And now I can’t imagine missing a day.