This space has always been our digital notebook. Over the years it has helped us uncover lots of interesting ideas. When we started creating rules for ourselves and for our notebook, ideas faltered.
I started this mornings post, ready to set a new rule. Maybe its an ongoing commitment to make sure I write on my days off. The writing is good for me, it forces me to think beyond my daily operations and reflect on, well as much as I can stumble upon.
But of course, committing to the twice a week writing session somehow stifles my want and desire to create. There’s a problem with that. And I’m unpacking the idea as I write this morning. Writing, observing, questioning and connecting takes active work. It takes participation and effort. Sure, letting the mind wander on a walk in the woods is where the magic may or may not happen. But the disciplined and playful work beforehand lays the groundwork for the ah ha moments to find each other.
Many years into sharing our notebook, I still think we are continuously looking, searching and beginning to develop our voice. Perhaps that is because, upon creating, we see flaws, places for improvement and obstacles that appear insurmountable. I am also hesitant to pursue ideas beyond inception. I cross the finish line and am ready for the next race. But as it turns out, many of our finish lines are actual starting points. The base idea, the discovery, the combination, the technique. These are the ideas to work with and create, not to discard and move past as my mind searches for the creative fuel of discovering what is next.
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