ReDesigning

I had a plan this weekend to work on my next project of creating a writing journal for writers to share prompts and exercises that I’ve shared over the past year, then my husband decided to he wanted his own space for his YouTube Channel. The room he wanted to change is the last room that we needed to tackle. Since quarantine started I’ve followed other creatives that makeover tiny spaces to dream homes and I was inspired to make my own changes. Most importantly, this venture changed my mood and the way I feel in our space.

Many of us are used to working in the same place for years and months. If you’re feeling in a slump, or you’re not motivated, then maybe it’s time to make changes at home. You can start with a run, a new lamp, or change a chair. We all know the feeling when we get something new. This is the same idea. Making small changes or taking on one area at a time, like a cluttered desk can give you the energy you need to get into writing mode without breaking your budget.

When it comes to big projects, I use the Japanese principle of breaking down my goal into smaller, bite size pieces that can be broken down by the minute. Asking what can I get done in one minute is practicing Kaizen. The same principle is carried over into my writing. My focus is on getting a few pages done, instead of the whole novel.

After a year of small projects, our home turned into something inviting instead of overwhelming. The creative energy isn’t trapped in one room but flows to different rooms that promote new ideas instead of clutter that “you’ll get to later”.

Now, I find myself dusting off unfinished stories, working on new ideas, and feeling more motivated to take action. In other words, it’s not you, it might be the space you live in. Don’t have the budget for anything new? Get a paintbrush or go Marie Kondo crazy organizing your drawers. Cleaning can do the same thing. Then, carry over the practice to your writing. Focus on one paragraph, a few pages, or one chapter at a time.

Letting go of my packrat tendencies is another matter. Good thing my husband is eBay happy and helping me let go of old items.

Follow as I post on my progress throughout the month and share the experience.

~Yoon Ju

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