Every Void Gets Filled
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Time is the ultimate constraint. Anything that happens takes time, and to expect to accomplish something without putting in the time to make it happen is a fantasy. A few weeks ago I tweeted: gentle reminder that less time spent scrolling creates a void that must necessarily be filled by something else. I seem to be looping back on my most popular talking point. Yes, desires and intentions and plans are wonderful for providing clarity and having the right mindset, but that's all pointless if you never actually do the thing. The filled void frame has been helpful for me lately in its simplicity: when I allocate time for a project, and I make it clear to myself that the allocated time is for the project and nothing else, then I necessarily make progress on the project. This progress might consist of visible progress like more words and new features, as well as invisible progress like trying something that doesn't work and exploring a different approach. But progress is only possible because I created a void to be filled by progress: I am choosing not to scroll social media, not to look at my phone, not to read newsletters ;^) It's perhaps an obvious point, but I think it's good for anyone to state the obvious in their own words. Have you tried setting aside time to focus on solving the problem? Things I made:
I am going to post a short essay every day in February on my Substack. Here are my favorite posts from the last time I wrote every day for a month: The RAMP Mindset, Polyamory and Status, Tacit Knowledge. This newsletter marks the 1-year anniversary of my coaching service! My clients have told me that my questions and reflections gently challenge their stories about what's happening without judgment. If you would like to have a call with me but the cost is an issue, please reach out. Thank you for reading! You can share this post with this link. If you want to support my work, you can check out my 1-1 coaching service or explore my website or buy me more time. |
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For this edition of the newsletter I am sharing excerpts from my notes from a lecture on the shadow that I attended in March which was led by Someone who Knows: The shadow can contain amazing qualities, but it is dark and mysterious and taboo. "I'm not a thief, but I steal from convenience stores when I'm drunk." This is an attempt to return to psychic wholeness, to acknowledge what is suppressed within us. Light: "I want to save everyone!" // Shadow: Uncompassionate acts. The shadow arrives...
As I work and play and live in greater alignment with my authenticity, I have experienced moments where something in my awareness strongly resonates with me. Something I'm seeing or hearing or reading provides instant clarity on an action to take, and all resistance falls away. When these moments of resonance occur, I am grateful to understand myself a little better and to know exactly what to do. I was procrastinating on organizing a meetup even though I knew that it would be a good thing to...
I've been seeing cardinals on walks. Red is my favorite color. It feels like a sweet gift from the universe. Remembering that I am not entitled to anyone's attention, and remembering to do my part. Ship it, send it, make the ask. And if there's silence in return, know that it is a gift. It's 85 degrees on December 30th. Sometimes I wonder what it's like to live in a seasonal place. I think I would appreciate the reminder that I am also cyclical. Whatever is natural and resonant to me needn't...