My resolution at the beginning of this week to put iPad and phone out of reach and wake instead to my beckoning journal has been transformative. Rather than be swept away by the daily reporting of the Times and then be pulled under by endless links only to discover that I’ve lost both hours and my grounding, I’ve connected to myself as I come to consciousness, have found words for feelings, and have thought through my day in a way that is both aspirational and realistic. Do try it, please.

Also, a clarification - you will be writing for yourself, not to share with me, though you might partner with a friend or family member to share what you’ve written on a particular day. I welcome all comments in the space below.

Just before

Just before, I had a mani-pedi with Amy in LA.
Previously, a manicure only for my wedding,
a pedicure never. When she offered, I said yes –
it seemed such a whimsical thing, and breathing
in soft air, feeling soft air, seeing palm trees
against blue skies, I was up for whimsy.

Squeaker of the House brown for the fingers,
Cajun shrimp red for the toes. Three weeks later,
toes intact, the right fingers a bit chipped,
the left still perfect. I watch with fascination
as the cuticle grows, marking the days between
whimsy and now. I bought nail polish remover
but resist wiping away the before and the whimsy.

What did you do “just before”?
Remember, tell a few stories, record the details.

How do you look back on those experiences now?

Welcome to A Time to Write. I’ll be posting here most days with thoughts and stories, maybe poetry, then offering a writing prompt or two, hopefully providing you nourishment and openings to your own thoughts and stories.

I’ll begin by reflecting on how I am in this strange new world. One of the struggles for me now is being firm, disciplined about a schedule. I had been continuing a habit of leaving my phone and iPad on the night table, and upon waking, I’d reach for the news and email, then fall down rabbit holes of YouTube and FB before I’ve even brushed my teeth. All of a sudden, it’s time for my first work appointment. I’ve lost the early, often golden, hours of the day. Lost the day and lost myself.

So last night I turned a corner – put my devices out of reach, placed journal and pen just inches away. It felt so good, waking this morning, with a breathing feeling of curiosity and a bit of control. I picked up the book and the pen, words rushed out, flooding the page.

I need, I ache, to make myself a schedule. Not all at once, it will require some effort and consideration. But today I will make a start: How to balance a day? What do I need in each day? And when?

time for loved ones – those who need me, those I need (wondering now if there’s a difference actually)
time for work – for me that includes clients and students who rely on me, but it could also include projects I’ve self-generated, volunteer commitments, cleaning, grocery shopping…
time to nourish and care for my body – stretch, take a walk, exercise, dance to music, yoga, cook, bake, eat good food…
time to nourish my spirit – write, sing, read, pray (solo and with my community online), meditate, quilt, paint…
time for service – meetings to organize and advocate, writing checks, calling the vulnerable in my life. Today it’s sewing masks…

Gratitude and relief are surging through me – lo and behold, I still have some control over my own life, quite a bit in fact. I’ve articulated needs and values, constants. Now, slowly but surely, I need to figure out how to implement what I’ve just articulated.

Questions for you –

What do you need to put out of reach when you’re first waking? What do you need to draw close as you begin your day?

What do you need to balance your day? Make some notes and post them. Be patient as you create this structure for yourself. And no guilt – feel yourself being gently supported and guided.

Blessings! One day at a time.