Nos Galen Haf
learning something new every day
We’re at the end of daily writing experiment. How did it go? I’m very happy I was able to complete my arbitrary challenge. Achieving a goal can be hard for me, I am an easily distracted idea guy who get lost in the details. Fitting in the writing wasn’t as hard as my brain thought it would be, which is an encouraging thing to learn about a desired habit. So, what’s next?
I love complaining but it’s not always useful. I won’t resolve to abstain, but I aim to complain less in May. How will that happen? I’m taking a three step approach. 1) I’m going to move. 2) I’m going to make. 3) I’m going to be mindful.What does that mean? Moving means moving my body- increasing my exercise from one time a week to two or three times a week. Making means continuing this writing practice and maybe instead of turning on the tv when I’m tired playing a game/ cooking/ coloring/ just going to sleep. Being mindful? Not rushing to the seventh circle of the basement of my mind/ work on not always being self deprecating by putting myself down. Easier said than done, but worth a try.
If you’re one of my 31 subscribers, thanks. For the three people who unsubscribed in April, I understand. For a few days I had 34 subscribers, and that was a powerful feeling. Part of me is relieved that I received this feedback. My mom always told me not everyone will like you, and my primary thought about that insight has been “Why not? You should definitely like me” so this is great practice. You probably didn’t expect daily emails from me when you kindly signed up to be a follower. April started with a warning, but I often don’t follow through on my creative pursuits, so I don’t fault you ignoring my early spring creative fervor and I appreciate the unfollow... Please, no one else leave. Thanks for sticking with me if you read; stay tuned for more essays, short stories, and occasional dispatches/kvetches from the Heartland via the West Side of Chicago.
Some things I need to do over the next few days are:
buy a gift card for a kid’s birthday party
marinate some lamb
rest
put the plants I bought last week in the ground
continue nourishing my cumin seeds until they are hardy enough to go out side- they are doing pretty well for now!
hang two pictures I recently framed
call the upholsterer back
figure out the plan for this renovation
So exciting to discover your substack today and learn that you're growing cumin! I admire your May resolutions to move, make, and be mindful. My goal is to go to our (shared!) gym every day, and I'm working towards all 3 of your May goals. And I'm here for the kvetching, so don't stop your stories about commutes, parking, or business guys on the CTA. The commiseration is my favorite part!