"A list is a lighthouse" - that hits in the most beautiful, resonant way. I love how you talk about these reflections acting as breadcrumbs we can follow to find a greater truth. Thanks, Michelle!
Okay, I'm really, really glad you decided to hit publish on this one. "A list is a lighthouse" is SUCH a good mantra—easily remembered during the height of anxiety and overwhelm. I hadn't really thought about what makes a list *work,* but your points make so much sense. The act of creating a list requires you to get super honest with yourself about what needs to be included (or what doesn't need to be) and why. Though a brain dump might be considered a list, and it's valuable in its own right, I think labeling the list with some sort of intention (i.e. "Reasons to stay on Instagram") is what takes it from unloading to processing. I think this post is a good reminder for the times when maybe journaling something out or externally processing feels too much, too heavy, but you still want to get to the root of what you're considering—and that it works for both grocery items AND bigger, more significant decisions.
"I think labeling the list with some sort of intention (i.e. "Reasons to stay on Instagram") is what takes it from unloading to processing." such a cool observation! Now that you frame it that way, I do think titling my lists (without overthinking it) is a more important piece of my practice than I realized 🤯
I love this! Simple list making can cut through so much of the mental clutter and circling thoughts that lead us nowhere. It’s also perfect for when we’ve spent hours agonising over a decision in our journals and failed to reach a decisive conclusion (or is it just me?) Interestingly, my latest Substack post is also about Instagram and our ever changing relationship with it. I think you might like it! :-)
Definitely not just you! I love a list when journaling just leaves me feeling more indecisive. (happens to me all. the. time.) I'm excited to go take a peek at your post about Instagram! Seems like this is a topic on lots of people's minds lately, which I find oddly comforting.
"It's much more easier to be done with things when we've better replacements available." This really resonates for me. I'm not really a 'quit cold turkey' sort of person, but it definitely helps to have something else to shift my attention toward when I'm missing (or struggling to walk away from) the old thing.
"A list is a lighthouse" - that hits in the most beautiful, resonant way. I love how you talk about these reflections acting as breadcrumbs we can follow to find a greater truth. Thanks, Michelle!
Kayla! I love that that resonated for you, and I so appreciate you taking the time to leave this sweet comment. I hope all is well with you 💛
Of course! It's been so fun to read along with your Substack letters. I'm trying to be less of a lurker. 😊
Lurkers unite! 💛
Okay, I'm really, really glad you decided to hit publish on this one. "A list is a lighthouse" is SUCH a good mantra—easily remembered during the height of anxiety and overwhelm. I hadn't really thought about what makes a list *work,* but your points make so much sense. The act of creating a list requires you to get super honest with yourself about what needs to be included (or what doesn't need to be) and why. Though a brain dump might be considered a list, and it's valuable in its own right, I think labeling the list with some sort of intention (i.e. "Reasons to stay on Instagram") is what takes it from unloading to processing. I think this post is a good reminder for the times when maybe journaling something out or externally processing feels too much, too heavy, but you still want to get to the root of what you're considering—and that it works for both grocery items AND bigger, more significant decisions.
"I think labeling the list with some sort of intention (i.e. "Reasons to stay on Instagram") is what takes it from unloading to processing." such a cool observation! Now that you frame it that way, I do think titling my lists (without overthinking it) is a more important piece of my practice than I realized 🤯
I love this! Simple list making can cut through so much of the mental clutter and circling thoughts that lead us nowhere. It’s also perfect for when we’ve spent hours agonising over a decision in our journals and failed to reach a decisive conclusion (or is it just me?) Interestingly, my latest Substack post is also about Instagram and our ever changing relationship with it. I think you might like it! :-)
Definitely not just you! I love a list when journaling just leaves me feeling more indecisive. (happens to me all. the. time.) I'm excited to go take a peek at your post about Instagram! Seems like this is a topic on lots of people's minds lately, which I find oddly comforting.
"It's much more easier to be done with things when we've better replacements available." This really resonates for me. I'm not really a 'quit cold turkey' sort of person, but it definitely helps to have something else to shift my attention toward when I'm missing (or struggling to walk away from) the old thing.