The most important thing

Each day, accomplish one thing. One little bit is all it takes. After a number of days, you’ve accomplished that many things. Whatever it is. Learning a new word. Working towards learning a new language. Painting, writing, or composing.

Each day, do one thing. That most important thing. Even if that thing is just a minuscule part of a bigger whole.

A city series

I’ve been thinking about cities in the US, and what some of them do better than others. over the years I’ve lived across the country, and I’m still figuring out why certain places resonate more with me than others.

So, I thought I’d try and peg down some of the things that these different cities do well. I don’t know how much I’ll get to, or what cities I may actually end up thinking about. But, they’ll be here either way.

A practice of gratitude

Staying positive and grateful can make a big difference in your overall mindset. This is especially true of difficult moments.

Take some time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for, no matter how small they may seem. (My go-to is coffee. Every day. I mean, really. I don’t know where I’d be without coffee.)

Expressing gratitude can help you shift your perspective and focus on the positive aspects of your life.

Knowing thyself

Figuring out who you are is not just an esoteric concept. Though, I guess it still sounds that way.

But, it is a fundamental aspect of living a fulfilling and meaningful life. By cultivating self-awareness, we can understand ourselves on a deeper level, embrace our uniqueness, cultivate authentic relationships, overcome challenges, and embrace personal growth.

It’s important to figure out who you are. And if you don’t know yet, take some time to invest in this journey of self-discovery and watch as your life transforms in surprising ways.

Sweet distractions

I live in a state of distractedness. Getting rid of any distractions that are tempting hasn’t really proven to be an effective strategy for me.

Day to day, it requires constant planning and attention to stay on task. I think that has a lot to do with how our modern world is structured.

To assist in staying focused, you can try turning off social media notifications, avoiding time-wasting websites, and minimizing phone usage during focused periods.

By eliminating these temptations, you will be able to stay focused and productive for longer periods of time.

Or so I’m told.

A bit late, but NaNoWriMo

Nanowrimo, short for National Novel Writing Month, is an annual event that takes place every November. It has gained popularity among writers and aspiring authors around the world.

During Nanowrimo, participants are challenged to write a 50,000-word novel within the span of a single month.

The idea behind Nanowrimo is to encourage writers to overcome their fears and doubts and simply start writing. It emphasizes the importance of quantity over quality, with the understanding that first drafts are often far from perfect.

The goal is to get the words out on paper, to create a foundation that can be refined and polished later.

I’m not really participating this year, as the film I’m working on is demanding a bit more of my time. But, there should be plenty out there this month working on their 50,000 words.

Getting ZZZs

Many people sacrifice their sleep to meet work deadlines, socialize, or binge-watch their favorite TV shows. However, getting proper sleep is crucial for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Getting proper sleep is not a luxury; it is a fundamental requirement for our overall well-being.

By prioritizing sleep and implementing healthy sleep habits, we can reap the benefits of improved cognitive function, emotional well-being, and physical health.

Remember, a good night’s sleep is not a luxury, but a necessity for a fulfilling and productive life. So, make sleep a priority and enjoy the many benefits it brings.

Where ideas flourish

Making time and room for ideas to be created is a conscious choice that can lead to personal growth, innovation, and fulfillment.

Embracing solitude, prioritizing creativity, creating physical spaces, engaging in mindful observations, seeking inspiration, and embracing failure and iteration – these are ways to unlock your creative potential and bring your ideas to life. 

The indies

Independent films provide filmmakers with the freedom to experiment and explore unconventional storytelling techniques.

Without constraints placed upon them by traditional studios – like making money – directors can truly express their artistic vision.

This creative freedom often results in films that challenge societal norms, push boundaries, and offer fresh perspectives on various subjects.