I once had a colleague share with me, that although they were working consistently on many projects, they were not seeing results. I thought about it for a second and completely related. Just as suddenly it became obviously clear to me that you could not compare results of work on only one project on the same timeline as someone who would be working on multiple projects. I responded as such and we both agreed and made our peace with it. As I am typing this I am realising that the people who appear to be working on many projects at once and are seeing fast results on all projects are not alone, they have teams of people who are helping and executing behind the scenes.

So maybe I should cut myself some slack? Perhaps as should you?

All this to say, I had given this rather brilliant piece of advice and forget to apply this to myself. I have been practicing patience. or at least I have been trying to. What I have learned is that I am pretty impatient. I have a clear imagination and can see what I want, where I should (such an ugly word) be.

There are many things I wish to do. I am doing. I would like to do more of. Creative things. Keeping this blog updated weekly. Painting and/or drawing daily. Finishing either of those books I’m writing.

Whatever could be stopping me? Firstly, myself. Obviously. Next I would say it is my grotesque over-consumption of media. I devour books. Binge shows. Spend more time than I would like to admit scrolling reels. It’s mind-numbingly delicious. Addictive.

The past few months I have slowly been making my way through Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way. I got stuck on chapter 4 when the week’s task was to not read at all for a week. To not read anything. I had been reading the book and kind of doing the tasks, sometimes, I couldn’t make up my mind if I just wanted to read the book or read the book and do the workshops and assignments. I was being extremely lazy and took 2-3 weeks to read a chapter. Not because it wasn’t interesting but YouTube most likely had something easier and quicker to digest. The Blake Lively scandal for one. Cryptid creatures and conspiracy podcast episodes. Some Jungan themed commentary essay on fast fashion. You name it. Anyways, I had decided then to try and just read the book and get through it, then do the assignments on a second read. The Artist’s Way is a 12 week program – I’m 6 months and only halfway through it.

I have however read around seven 800 page books about dragons and faeries (Fourth Wing, Throne of Glass). I have been enjoying getting lost in the fictional fantasy worlds. I do not guilt trip myself for reading. I do guilt-trip myself for the youtube videos and the reels. As enjoyable as it is, I am aware of how mindless it is.

All this said, what to do about it? For the month of June I have been consistent about writing my “morning pages”. The first task in The Artist’s Way is, every morning, to write three pages of stream of consciousness journaling. It is a moment of taking time with yourself, for yourself.

Writing is an act of creation. Is the opposite of consumption, creation? I think it might be. For now perhaps. Life always has a way of showing you new perspectives. So I won’t attach myself to any belief too strongly.

It is not my first attempt at making necklaces, however it is definitely my best. I’ve also been making a skirt and a dress. I customised a Blythe doll to look like me. I’ve been working on a painting. I’m grateful I have so many creative outlets. I enjoy creating. I enjoy consuming. (shows, books, art, music, movies, music!) Perhaps there is no sin in a balanced life. The key is moderation. What have you created recently? The brain feels good when accomplishing real tasks in the physical world – not by absorbing information from a screen. Just some food for thought.

Cheers, where everybody knows your name,

Mica

p.s. does sims4 fall under consumption or creation? lmk