It can be very hard to stay consistent with something, much less everything. Here, we talked about how imposter syndrome can arise when the unpredictable nature of caring for living things gets in the way of the Platonic Ideal of a Creative Routine. Are we really artists if we’re letting work, germs or winter weather get in the way of our dreams?
Well, yeah. We are. Those things sometimes get in the way of art, and that’s OK.
And still, I would imagine each one of us has at least one good thing that we’re tending in this season. One thing that’s growing and thriving in our lives despite the ups and downs.
Let’s celebrate this ONE THING together.
A tray of seeds, tended for the first time by subscriber Chiara D. last spring.
If it helps to have a drop-down menu of examples (it always does for me, and often for my students), here are some of the trends I see in my own work and yours:
Consistently tending the self: Maybe you’re going through a season of transition and/or loss, but showing up consistently for yourself and all the feels, instead of checking out or shutting down on yourself.
Consistently tending loved ones: Maybe you’re going through a season in which other people need you profoundly, and you are working hard to show up consistently for them, instead of checking out or shutting down on them.
Consistently tending a craft: Maybe you’re consistently working to create space for your creative work, despite obstacles, in ways that feel like you’ve got a little momentum.
Consistently tending community: Maybe you’re moving through a season of figuring out how to use your gifts of care/creativity for the greater good (aka being a Mother Tree), and you’re experiencing an enhanced feeling of connection to something bigger than you.
Consistently tending the earth: Maybe you’re figuring out how to consistently be in and with the natural world around you, and to care and be cared for in it — even if it’s still winter outside
Which of these best describes you?
And if your answer is “none of the above” — which I get — is it still possible to find one small act of good tending, even if it’s two days in a row of giving yourself enough sleep, to celebrate and share here?
I’m tending a pup who is currently tending to devouring my partner’s Birkenstocks. Also to my 200 tulips who are just beginning to poke their little heads up to sniff the spring.
There’s not much to see yet, but there will be soon! I filled my front planters and city tree beds with bulbs to add some spring color before the giant sunflowers take over. We’ll see if they can survive rough and tumble city street life. I planted few last year and my neighbors were so delighted by them that this year I went full Holland. 😂
This summer was crazy moldy and wet in our garden too! Many squashes were harmed. Fingers crossed for a better growing season this year. (I can’t believe it’s already time to start thinking about that!)
Oooh that IS a good thing. Huge congrats! I feel like that one has proven so elusive for me since it’s a multi-step project involving uncertainty and a deadline that’s mostly self-imposed — my creativity kryptonite. Here for any tips!
PS: I'm of course equally happy for those authors who have their first book published. But just like when I was doing fertility treatments while teaching prenatal and postpartum yoga, it is tinged with pain.
Yes, exactly. But it is becoming increasingly hard to ignore the stab I feel every time someone else's book makes it's way into the world. Mine is written, and it is getting mad at me!
Oooh that’s a good one. I feel like business done well is simply finding a way to tend to oneself while tending to some aspect of community, in healthy reciprocity. How is it going for you?
I'm gaining momentum and trying not to think about it too much, lest I spiral into self-doubt. I'm approaching the sweet spot and it feels good. I just need to keep showing up and keep iterating until I figure out what works. I've got a strong baseline of well-being which helps! Thanks for asking. <3
Thanks for sharing! I’m interested myself in how to maintain both career momentum and a baseline level of wellbeing. It’s not easy but I’m also committed to that process. Insights welcome!
I’m tending a pup who is currently tending to devouring my partner’s Birkenstocks. Also to my 200 tulips who are just beginning to poke their little heads up to sniff the spring.
Such worthy endeavors! I want to hear more about the tulips (only because I haven’t seen pictures of them as I have the pup).
There’s not much to see yet, but there will be soon! I filled my front planters and city tree beds with bulbs to add some spring color before the giant sunflowers take over. We’ll see if they can survive rough and tumble city street life. I planted few last year and my neighbors were so delighted by them that this year I went full Holland. 😂
Are these the ones you rehomed from the great NYC giveaway?
Alas, those ones bloomed one season and then succumbed to an unfortunate mold incident. I’m going to dig them from the NYC giveaway this year though!
This summer was crazy moldy and wet in our garden too! Many squashes were harmed. Fingers crossed for a better growing season this year. (I can’t believe it’s already time to start thinking about that!)
I am consistently tending my book proposal.
Oooh that IS a good thing. Huge congrats! I feel like that one has proven so elusive for me since it’s a multi-step project involving uncertainty and a deadline that’s mostly self-imposed — my creativity kryptonite. Here for any tips!
PS: I'm of course equally happy for those authors who have their first book published. But just like when I was doing fertility treatments while teaching prenatal and postpartum yoga, it is tinged with pain.
Completely relatable.
Yes, exactly. But it is becoming increasingly hard to ignore the stab I feel every time someone else's book makes it's way into the world. Mine is written, and it is getting mad at me!
Having written it already is an awesome accomplishment! It’s so frustrating knowing that there are so many more steps, though.
I'm tending to my business dream.
Oooh that’s a good one. I feel like business done well is simply finding a way to tend to oneself while tending to some aspect of community, in healthy reciprocity. How is it going for you?
I'm gaining momentum and trying not to think about it too much, lest I spiral into self-doubt. I'm approaching the sweet spot and it feels good. I just need to keep showing up and keep iterating until I figure out what works. I've got a strong baseline of well-being which helps! Thanks for asking. <3
Thanks for sharing! I’m interested myself in how to maintain both career momentum and a baseline level of wellbeing. It’s not easy but I’m also committed to that process. Insights welcome!