How I will be honoring analog habits, and the slower side of learning through crafts, books, and home rhythms. It’s the cozy reset my brain needs.
.
While working on my Personal Curriculum online course, there was an afternoon when I was also thinking ahead into the next few months.
In Lesson 2 we discuss and break down the Key Elements of a Syllabus. Step 7 is creating personal curriculum policies written with self-kindness in mind. The one that jumped out at me when I was reviewing my class notes was #5.
Quiet Season Policy:
Some stretches of time are for absorbing, not producing.
Listening and noticing are forms of learning, too.
I gave myself some time to focus on that idea and think about it.
- What would that look like for me to apply a Quiet Season Policy in the month of December?
- How can I practice what I teach in this area?
I let those questions simmer and then did some journaling the next morning. (Actually it was a bit more like messy brainstorm-list-making, but anyway…😜)
As I am sure you have noticed, I have a love for analog tools. I find when my brain is swimming with tasks, or I want to plan out my week, that analog is my way back to calm and feeling like my grounded self.
[Like this post: my notebook secrets revealed📑]
My love for analog ways is especially strong in the winter season. The desire to make tangible things takes over. I want to bake, knit, decorate, sketch, read hardcover books, make homemade bread, and stir a slow-simmering soup.
My writing life has expanded the last few months as I tackled the project of putting together my first online course. [all about Personal Curriculum!]
And now to balance things out, I will be taking a step back from long hours and late evenings at my laptop writing and researching.
I plan to switch to more analog modes of learning and enjoyment.
Like slowing down in the evenings with handicrafts made while on the couch with a Christmas blanket, hot tea, and winter Regency Romance novels on audio. 🎧🧶🍵
Check out my Personal Curriculum post for this month to see what reading and learning goals I have. You’ll notice there is an extra measure of slowness to my plans and my reading.
My online quiet season also looks more socially in-person as my college kids return home for a few weeks and we host extra Christmas events in our home.
I will also be spending more time in the kitchen making delicious meals and goodies, as well as family favorite Christmas cookie recipes.
As I shared in a Note last week, I have reached 400 subscribers! 😃🎉
I am so thrilled that my writing is resonating with so many people. It is such a joy to be here and encounter so many who are creative, avid readers, full of curiosity and wanting to build authentic community online. Just logging into Substack makes me smile. 😁
This writing journey has been full of ups, downs and unexpected milestones. Check out this post from last December to see how much has changed.
For years I wrote on my blog only to feel that I was shouting into the lonely, empty void of the internet. Now I feel like I am in a cozy neighborhood surrounded by people who care.🩵 I love it!
So I just want you to know that I think of each of you when I write. To me, 400 is not just a number but actual individuals who take time to read.
I deeply appreciate your encouragement, kind comments, and support.
My January Plans –
Since we are friends, I’ll give you a peek into my messy handwritten lists for next month 🗒️
- a Commonplace notes story with detailed examples to apply
- my January Personal Curriculum post
- more about my study type and how I make it work for my busy life
- sharing some insights from my Personal Curriculum online course
- tips on clearing mental fog & gaining clarity
- collaborations with other Substack writers?
I love the freshness and momentum of the New Year!
Make sure you are on my subscriber list!
I hope to come back from my quiet season with renewed excitement and fresh ideas to share with you all.
May this December be full of joy, great conversations, and wonderful food for each of you.
🎄Merry Christmas!
