Slow and Deliberate
Every Saturday, I wake up later than normal, have some light food which can hold my hunger for an hour or two, complete house chores, pack my bag with my journal, a novel, my blog book, fountain pen, headphones and drive to a cafe. I generally reach by early afternoon, order a heavy breakfast and read the novel listening to music on headphones. Once the food arrives, put the book aside, enjoy my food, order a drink and write my journal. Then again go back to reading the novel, having the drink. After about an hour, I open my blog book and start writing. I have this routine to be executed every Saturday to write that week’s blog. All this routine is a must for me before I open my blog book.
I’ve heard people say that I can write anywhere, need not be at a cafe. There were times where I’ve tried writing at home but just couldn’t focus. I took a lot of time to accept the fact that I lose focus quickly.
Well, I’ve realised it long ago; But acceptance took time. There is a difference in those two, which changed the course of how I look at myself. It’s like a kid realising a sharp object is harmful because his parent told him so, yet keeps playing with it. Only when he’s hurt by it is when he accepts that it’s harmful and avoids such objects.
Focus for me was same. But accepting something unique to you when everyone else around seems to ignore it, is harder. Becoming aware of my distracted mind took years to understand. Hence I’ve created a routine which works for me.
Whenever you have a problem and ask an expert for a solution, most of the times the answer will be “It depends on you”. That’s the most frustrating statement to hear when you are seeking for a straight forward solution. But I’ve realised the beauty in it recently while I made up my mind to write a blog every week.
To achieve it, I had to do whatever works for me. So I formulated a routine and ironed it one week at a time.
The whole week, I look for a cafe; On Saturday I go to the cafe alone to read and write.
I don't have any other plan for the whole Saturday. I sit for close to four hours to get into the groove to write, by first reading for an hour, think for about ten minutes and then start writing. Is this a long routine for a small blog? Maybe. But I wanted my blog to come out well for me to carry that satisfaction until next Saturday.
That I’m able to achieve only if I take it slow.