Category Archives: passion&play

Nudged: Claim my “bread”

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Backstory: The idea for this nudge came from the book The Sermon on the Mount by Emmet Fox. It basically comes down to embracing the fact that God (Mother Earth, the Universe–whatever term you choose) always provides. “Bread” in this instance may be actual bread, though it really means everything we require for a healthy, happy, free, and harmonious life.

Then it’s a little more. It’s a call to stop being so stubbornly self-sufficient. And that’s what intrigued me, so I thought I’d explore it. Do I need to work on stopping all the doing in my life? (Yes.) Do I need to allow some good to come to me for a change? (Yes.)

Last year, a close friend was rushed to the emergency room and received a very scary diagnosis. I was terrified, and I desperately wanted to do something to help her and her family. She, naturally, resisted at first. We’re grownups, we’re proud people, we can take care of ourselves–right? I told her I understood, for I saw myself in her. I asked her to allow me to step up, and she finally accepted. It felt really really good to be there for her, even in small ways. She has since recovered, and I am reminded that my friends would like the opportunity to give to me on occasion too. Sometimes we can give each other the gift of giving to each other. I know that last sentence is a bit of a tangle, but when I break it down, it makes sense to me.

I’m not sure where this nudge will take me, and I’m eager to try it out.

What Happened: Careful what you wish for!

Early Monday morning, while making breakfast for me and my guys, I dropped a pan full of hot grease on my bare foot. Thor was home, and we were able to treat it immediately. No trip to the ER, no blisters. It could have been so much worse, and I feel really lucky.

However… I spent all of Monday and Tuesday with my foot stuck in a pot of cold water to keep it from blistering and keep the swelling down. Any time I moved (office to couch, couch to office), that pot went with me. And since I am still unable to put on a shoe,  I’m home-bound.

foot in cold water

That’s one way to kick prideful self-sufficiency to the curb!

Rest and healing became the only goals of my week, so that’s what I focused on. I did get some client work done, and then I took the time gifted to me to do some internal work. I thought about how I have recently blocked my creativity by filling my time with doings–admin work, housework, busy work. There are other things I want to really devote my time and energy to.

So I pulled a book about breaking through creative blocks out of my stack and got to work, my work. I’m starting with a self-commitment to choose projects that feel “100% Kath.” I wrote that on my big white board: 100% Kath.

It’s a start. I’m ready to claim all my good.

The Ah-Hahs: So…the other thing that happened…. I took myself outside for lunch today (inspired by the nudge from a few weeks ago) and noticed the blueberry bush. The full-of-ripe-berries blueberry bush!

blueberries

I have done nothing to deserve or earn this other than occasionally remembering to give it some water, and yet here it is, bursting with gifts to give me. Another reminder that God always provides–and often gives us more than we asked for. We just have to claim it–or, in this case, harvest it! 🙂

 

52+: Pat’s craft cart (a Nudger in action)

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I love hearing from readers when a nudge has inspired them to do something new!

A couple of weeks ago, Pat wrote to tell me, “It’s entertaining to hear all the different ideas you come up with. I can’t keep up, but I love the ideas.” I celebrate that. This blog was created primarily so I would keep myself on track (and honest) with weekly challenges. If others are inspired to do the nudges with me or create their own, that’s all bonus to me.

But I have to say, I LOVE hearing your success stories. This is Pat’s. She decided to tackle cleaning up what she calls “Craft Central,” a cart that holds all sorts of crafty supplies. “My walk-in closet is half craft stuff, and then there’s under the bed,” she confessed. “I’m excited to organize it all.”

Here’s the before picture of her cart:

Pat cart before

Here’s the after:

Pat cart after

And then…here’s the after photo of her desk.

Pat desk after

“This also inspired me to work on my desk at the same time, as they kind of go hand-in-hand,” Pat wrote.

What I sense will happen next is Pat will be re-inspired to pick up and complete on old creative project or start something new. Craft Central is Pat’s happy place, and it warms my heart that 52Nudges has helped her get back to it.

Have you had a recent success with a Nudge? I’d love to hear about it. Email me with a bit of your story with photos at KathleenInk.net.

Nudged: Have lunch outside

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Backstory: I have such good intentions, but then so often I’m “too busy”. This nudge is about shaking up the routine.

After I pulled this nudge this morning, I thought about my options. The obvious choice for me is to head to the backyard (I work from home even when we aren’t sheltering-in-place). Back in my corporate days, I would find a place to sit in a courtyard, near a fountain, perhaps. In a perfect world, of course, I’d find a pretty spot in a park or on the beach.

Speaking of the sheltering-in-place, my husband and I got creative when we wanted to get out. A few times we picked up sandwiches to go, found a spot with a view of the Pacific Ocean, and had a “picnic” in the car. This would fulfill this nudge too.

If none of the above work, at the very least, I can open a window.

Hope you can get out this week.

What Happened: The day started like so many others. I faced a long to do list of work, household, and personal projects. I ate breakfast while standing at the kitchen counter and multitasking. In between nibbles and sips, I emptied and reloaded the dishwasher, fed the dog, checked the headlines, planned the menu for dinner, made mental notes about this ‘n’ that….

As lunch time came (and whooshed by), I was tempted to do more of the same…until I remembered this nudge. I put my food on a real plate and headed to the cute little bistro table in my backyard.

For a few minutes I allowed myself to stop and enjoy an unrushed meal.

lunch outside 2020

The Ah-Hahs: Though it was fairly uninspired menu of leftovers, I actually tasted and enjoyed my food. I slowed my breathing. I listened to the birds and felt the warmth of the sun on my skin. I read a few pages of a novel. I thought about things other than the afternoon’s deadlines.

Specifically, I brought back memories of the days when most of my meals were taken outside. (Granted, that was when I lived in Southern California and the weather cooperated.) I routinely started the day with a cup of tea on the front porch. Lunch on the back patio. Dinner under the blooming crepe myrtle tree.

One of my favorite annual events was what I called the French Picnic. I invited a handful of friends over, asking each to bring a Francophile dish. Champagne, tarts, freshly baked bread, seasonal fruits, and simple proteins appeared. We dragged my full-size dining table into the front yard and covered it with the cloth from Provence and small vases filled with lavender. We shared the food, we shared stories. We shared our lives.

Over these past few months, as we’ve practiced strict social distancing, conversations with family and friends have included the question: “What do you want to do most when this is over?”

I finally have my answer.

Nudging: Use the good silver x2

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PASS #2: My first draw this morning was “Practice scientific prayer”. As I understand this, scientific prayer is praying “as if” you already have what you’re praying for. Instead of “Please heal me!” for example, you say “Thank you for my whole and healthy body!” It’s deeper than just saying the words, as the practice is to get you to the place where you feel the Truth of what you’re praying. This is a great nudge, for sure, but since I’ve recently kept a gratitude journal and practiced other exercises with the Law of Attraction, this feels redundant. So…. Next! 🙂

Backstory: By sheer luck of inheritance, I have two full sets of gorgeous silverware. One set gets brought out for the occasional special occasion. The other set has…ahem…never been used. I’m really not “saving” these precious items, I simply don’t remember to use them.

Until now. Break out the good stuff, people! Let’s use and enjoy what we have!

Nudged: Set a small goal and blow it away

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Backstory: Sure, this is about getting things done. But it’s mostly about developing muscle memory. What does it feel like to start something and finish it? Set a goal and achieve it? To win, to succeed, to exceed my own expectations?

Although I complete personal and professional projects every week (I love deadlines), it seems like it’s been a long time since I’ve experienced a really big win, so I’m going to start with something “small” and get back in the rhythm of winning. My intention is then to set bigger and bigger goals for myself. How exciting!

The example I wrote down for myself when I created The List was building up to holding a plank for one minute.

What might you do this week?

What Happened: Paint my office!

Well, that was my first idea. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and includes by extension sewing new curtains, replacing the rug, buying new furniture…. But one of the rules of 52 Nudges is this task must be something I can do in one week’s time. Next!

I considered refinishing a small desk, buying supplies and starting a new vegetable garden, sorting that big pile of old files on the floor, or clearing out my closet. Then I took a step back and looked again at the Nudge: “Set a small goal.” Start small. Do something I can really get done.

I chose to open the drawer in my office that has become the catch-all for personal correspondence. Oh, sheesh, what a mess. Yet one of the great joys in my life is receiving and sending letters with friends. This is where I’ll start.

Letter Drawer: Before.

I pulled everything out and organized it by sender. Done!

Letter Drawer: After.

The Ah-Hahs: Okay, so this wasn’t a “big” win, I didn’t feel a glorious sense of achievement. However, this small completed nudge got me one step closer to doing more of something I really love. Now when I have a free 30 minutes, I can grab the item off the top of my neat pile of letters and respond. No digging. Better yet, no opening that drawer and feeling overwhelmed by the mess and closing that drawer without doing anything.

In fact, I wrote two letters yesterday after I completed the nudge. This is a true win for me.

Nudged: Take 1 photo/day of something that makes me happy

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Backstory: I see this campaign, or something like it, on Facebook all the time: Post something that makes you smile! Share the 27th photo on your phone!

Actually, though, it was Carrie at Me & My Quite Contrary Life who inspired me to “capture my joy” for this nudge.

One week, seven photos. Starting with…a perfectly relaxed and civilized breakfast.

What Happened: I almost cheated! How easy it would have been to snap seven quick shots on Sunday and be done with this. But I’m so glad I resisted that temptation, because this nudge (as usual) turned out to be more than a simple task.

Here are my other six, one per day:

Great books.

Scharffenberger dark chocolate. No nuts!

Louie, my cuddle bug.

My beautiful old home (with circa 1928 tiles).

My Thor, my everything.

Healthy plants that feed my body…

…and my soul. These were both gifts from friends, and I think of them whenever I see these plants.

The Ah-Hahs: This nudge was super fun. It totally lifted my spirits this week, and it taught me about noticing and appreciating in the moment. I found myself searching for things that make me happy all week long, and I easily could have posted 100+ photos. I slowed down, I paid attention, I looked at the details.

The bathroom tile came late in the week and kind of blew me away. I love our old house, her character, her strength. We’ve resisted doing any serious remodeling in the bathroom because we don’t want to lose the great tiles. In fact, I love showing it off — even with some of its signs of age — when we have guests, but usually I just point out the pink tiles on the walls, the checkered floor. It wasn’t until I went in close to take the photo for this nudge that I really appreciated the designs within the design. What a gift!

Over the past couple of months I’ve struggled to find joy amidst the challenges. So often I told myself I’d get through it all by looking at the Big Picture. I’m now recognizing how looking at the small picture, appreciating the delightful “little” things in life, can really help too.

Wow. 🙂

Nudging: Take 1 photo/day of something that makes me happy

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Backstory: I see this campaign, or something like it, on Facebook all the time: Post something that makes you smile! Share the 27th photo on your phone!

Actually, though, it was Carrie at Me & My Quite Contrary Life who inspired me to “capture my joy” for this nudge.

One week, seven photos. Starting with…a perfectly relaxed and civilized breakfast.

 

Nudged: Do something crafty

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Backstory: Back in my single days, I was very crafty. I made wreaths with my glue gun, I created elaborate table centers, I sewed. Not just mending; I made curtains and duvet covers without patterns and created all my prom and formal dresses. Legit! In my early 30s I discovered a friend and I shared a love for needlework and…wouldn’t it be more fun to do it together? We made a date and worked on our own projects while we chatted. The following month, we invited a few other friends to join us, and our group became the Crafts Babes.

Then life got busy. Work, responsibilities, and household projects took over. Then I got married, and my “free” time was not entirely my own. That’s a good thing, of course. But as I was putting together The List for this year’s nudges, I recalled things I used to love to do and vowed to do them again.

This week, that means I’m going to get crafty.

As always, you can do this nudge along with me or come up with another task that fits the intention. What was something you once loved to do that you haven’t done in a long time?

What Happened: There’s a small cabinet and a plastic storage bin in one corner of my office where all my crafty supplies are stored, including some unfinished projects. I knew exactly what was in there, I knew all week I “had” to do this nudge, but I kept putting it off. Why? I’m not sure. Maybe because it felt big, like it was going to suck up my time, take away from other things I need to do. Maybe because I was worried I wouldn’t enjoy it again, and I’d feel sick for having kept all that stuff around for so many years.

And that’s why this nudging adventure is so good for me. This is my nudge to pull those items out, try them again, and make a decision about how I want to move forward.

So that’s what I did two nights ago. I unearthed a cross-stitch project I started about 20 years ago (maybe longer–gack!). The original plan was to complete the four seed packet designs and frame them to decorate the kitchen of whichever apartment I was living in at the time. I finished the tomato (cute, right?). I started the eggplant, then the whole thing got tucked away and neglected until now.

The first thing I discovered is that my eyesight is not what it was back in the day. Those little stitches are hard! I dove in though, while complaining to Thor about the poor (ahem) lighting, and completed a few rows. It was…frustrating. Shoot! I had high expectations for this, was hoping I’d get hooked again, but I’m not sure.

I pulled it out again last night, and it was still rough going. Maybe I need to invest in a big magnifying lens or those cheapo magnifying old lady reading glasses you get at the pharmacy? I think I might do that before I give up on this. Because even though it wasn’t as satisfying as I initially hoped it would be, I did derive some satisfaction from seeing the work progress. Maybe those seed packets will look cute in our kitchen here?

The Ah-Hahs: I’ll admit I was disappointed with the outcome of this nudge. I really was hoping I’d pick up right where I left off, would rediscover an old passion and find it still inspires me today, maybe even launch a Bay Area chapter of the Crafts Babes. Sorry to say, I’m not feeling it.

Is it time, then, to Kondo all my needles and threads? Hmm…not quite yet. I don’t yet feel “finished” with this. And that, I think, is the gift of this nudge. By trying things old and new, I can figure out what feels good and authentic to me today.

Nudging: Do something crafty

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Backstory: Back in my single days, I was very crafty. I made wreaths with my glue gun, I created elaborate table centers, I sewed. Not just mending; I made curtains and duvet covers without patterns and created all my prom and formal dresses. Legit! In my early 30s I discovered a friend and I shared a love for needlework and…wouldn’t it be more fun to do it together? We made a date and worked on our own projects while we chatted. The following month, we invited a few other friends to join us, and our group became the Crafts Babes.

Then life got busy. Work, responsibilities, and household projects took over. Then I got married, and my “free” time was not entirely my own. That’s a good thing, of course. But as I was putting together The List for this year’s nudges, I recalled things I used to love to do and vowed to do them again.

This week, that means I’m going to get crafty.

As always, you can do this nudge along with me or come up with another task that fits the intention. What was something you once loved to do that you haven’t done in a long time?

Nudged: Bake cookies

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Backstory: This nudge came from some brainstorming I did as I thought about what to include on The List. I devoted some time to recall “Things I loved doing when I was a kid.” I loved baking! I loved being creative in the kitchen! In elementary school, my best pal (Hi, Krista!) and I did a lot of experimenting and even had our own sort of “signature” chocolate chip cookie recipe.

So this is my nudge to get back to doing things that feed my soul. The “uncomfortable” part? Well, I don’t really like eating most baked goods. (I know, crazy.) I’ll give them a taste, then I’ll give the rest away in care packages. Feels like a win-win!

As always, you can do this week’s nudge with me or pick something that speaks to you. What did you love doing when you were eight years old? Here’s your excuse to do it again.

What Happened: I chose a new-to-me recipe–for apple+raisin+oatmeal cookies–and tried it out. They were…meh. About as exciting as they look:

But I enjoyed the experience, and that’s what counts!

After I delivered care packages to a few neighbors (with promises to share samples of my next experiment–I hope it’s better!), I sat down and looked through the rest of that particular recipe book. I’ve had it since the mid-1990s! There were notations of hits and misses, suggestions for future improvements, and tags on recipes to try. I got kind of a tingly feeling as I flipped through. Anticipation, excitement. I marked a couple of other recipes I want to try and some I want to revisit, and I’m thinking maybe I’ll work my way through the rest of this book over the next few weeks. I’ll make copies of the recipes I want to keep, then share the book with someone else. Baking, creativity, care packages, decluttering. Fun!

The Ah-Hahs: I’ve noticed recently that baking/cooking is a theme in my life. Many of the TV shows I watch are either competitions or lessons. I love novels that include recipes. Even when I go to the movies, I like scenes about preparing and sharing meals. When I watch period movies or documentaries or take tours of historic homes, the rooms I most want to study are the kitchen and dining room. I don’t think I need to unpack this much further. Ever since I was little, baking has made me happy.

Baking + creativity + care packages + decluttering = FUN!