I did not go looking for a notation system that worked for me. Instead my dash/plus system was simply an extension of something I was already doing. For as long as I can remember, I had been in taking notes in a outline-like style, with a dash proceeding each point. Therefore, since I was already in the habit of doing this, extending the functionality of that dash seemed the most simple and natural thing for me.
Also, for as long as I can remember, I have been making lists of what I needed to do on paper and placing it to the right of my workspace. I remember doing this as early as using such a list to enumerate my homework for the evening in high school (perhaps the preceding dash started here too). Eventually, I moved to doing this at work and for my tasks at home. Thus, my today card was born.
My point being that we are often quick to look outside ourselves for the answer to finding a trusted system that keeps us on track and drives our day. And, while one can certainly adopt ideas and make them one’s own, I would argue that the first, easiest, and most trusted of places to look might be an extension of something we already do. Something that can evolve and grow as we do.
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I’ve been struggling lately. It’s not a depression per se. I know what that is. I’m not sure what this is. A low level malaise, perhaps. But not quite.
It basically is this, no matter how much I get done over the course of a day, no matter how productive I am, I still feel like I’ve gotten nothing done, am way behind, am dropping balls, and have no hope of catching up. And, like all such dark visitors, it has the effective self-fulfilling results of actually getting nothing done that I want to get done (despite my getting plenty done otherwise).
I write a lot but not what I wish I was writing. I check tasks off the list but not what I feel I should be checking. I get to the end of the day, look around, and can actually see my accomplishments, but all I can focus on is that which I did not.
I’ve taken to logging all of the things I do into Day One. I already am capturing and logging much of my online work and travels as well, thanks to Slogger. My hope was that it would provide an even better picture of what I’m up to. A lens of credibility and truth that would fight back and prove my feelings a lie.
Thus far, it’s not working. And I don’t have a Plan B.
I love them. Ever since I picked up the running bug a couple of years ago I’ve found that it is my favorite time to run.
Just got back from a short but fast 2.5 mile jaunt. It was pretty hot today (mid-90s) but has cooled off to a very comfortable mid 70s this evening. There is a light cool breeze blowing fairly steady. There was a gorgeous crescent moon in the sky and what I believe to be Procyon shining bright just southwest of it’s tip.
The street I run on1 is a very popular street for runners and walkers. And, why not, it is a perfect boulevard for running. Fairly straight, moderate inclines and declines, and super easy to gauge pace and distance. It is also is beautiful and full of well maintained Victorian era mansions. So, it is no surprise that it is well trafficked during the day. But at night, after 10pm or so most days, it is pretty quiet. When I run at this time, despite the occasional car or bike or pedestrian, I feel like I have it all to myself.
I find this is my best time to think during my run. To just let my mind go or concentrate on my breathing. Especially lately as I have been feeling rather off. A good night run makes me feel a bit more on.