The Six Month Check-In
Back at the CUNY Library, I was going to tell you all about how I think I may have the best kitchen I have ever lived with. It's the only room in the apartment completely finished. The green walls are adorned with art and photographs and Christmas lights. Why do hanging kitchen utensils above the stove make me feel like I could spring into cooking at any moment? If it wasn't so hot, I just might.
This is what I was going to write to you, but on the subway here I realized my birthday is on Friday. I don't know about you folks, but birthdays (mine and others) mean A LOT to me. When else do you have full range to celebrate someone or yourself? It's the only day of the year you have a right to do anything YOU want. Plus, it's practically ILLEGAL not to have cake AND ice cream. I've got to love a day where that happens.
I have a couple of traditions that I make sure I do for myself. One of them is to eat cake and ice cream. The other is to do a six month check-in. I do the latter twice a year--once on February 26--six months into my year, and once on my birthday, August 26. The check-in consists of listing all the things that have happened, or that I have done in the last six months, and then to list all the things I want to happen or to accomplish in the next six months. This is something I find incredibly helpful and immediate to inspire me in my life. First, it lets me see that I have lived--that my time has been used, not wasted. I started this practice two years ago, because I was in a deep depression and believed I was wasting my life. Listing all that I have done (from seeing movies to painting a picture), shows me that I am indeed living. The second part helps me focus my dreams and desires into possibilities.
It's been amazing what has come true on the list everything I dare myself a little. For example, last check-in I wrote down that I wanted to connect with an artist that I admired. I was thinking along the lines of Lynda Barry, but what I got was an unexpected in-depth conversation about music, art, and inspiration over ice cream with Ed Hamell, an independent musician I have admired for years.
In the last six months I've done A LOT. I've been to New York twice, and then moved here. I filled up three journals, made a calendar, played a few shows, made plans to tour. I've moved in with my boyfriend, reconnected with three old friends, read six books, started A BLOG, gone to Chicago...etc. etc.
In the next six months I want to tour, sell twice the calendars I did last year, create a mini book, buy a digital camera and a scanner (so I can show you folks the pink room and my art work), make a red velvet cake, buy new shoes, stay connected with friends and family in California...etc. etc.
The check-in is a great way to take stock. As you probably know, I like to make lists. They are great for their immediacy. They instantly prove that fears are so often lies; that our lives are rich; that our dreams are attainable if done in small moves.
This is what I was going to write to you, but on the subway here I realized my birthday is on Friday. I don't know about you folks, but birthdays (mine and others) mean A LOT to me. When else do you have full range to celebrate someone or yourself? It's the only day of the year you have a right to do anything YOU want. Plus, it's practically ILLEGAL not to have cake AND ice cream. I've got to love a day where that happens.
I have a couple of traditions that I make sure I do for myself. One of them is to eat cake and ice cream. The other is to do a six month check-in. I do the latter twice a year--once on February 26--six months into my year, and once on my birthday, August 26. The check-in consists of listing all the things that have happened, or that I have done in the last six months, and then to list all the things I want to happen or to accomplish in the next six months. This is something I find incredibly helpful and immediate to inspire me in my life. First, it lets me see that I have lived--that my time has been used, not wasted. I started this practice two years ago, because I was in a deep depression and believed I was wasting my life. Listing all that I have done (from seeing movies to painting a picture), shows me that I am indeed living. The second part helps me focus my dreams and desires into possibilities.
It's been amazing what has come true on the list everything I dare myself a little. For example, last check-in I wrote down that I wanted to connect with an artist that I admired. I was thinking along the lines of Lynda Barry, but what I got was an unexpected in-depth conversation about music, art, and inspiration over ice cream with Ed Hamell, an independent musician I have admired for years.
In the last six months I've done A LOT. I've been to New York twice, and then moved here. I filled up three journals, made a calendar, played a few shows, made plans to tour. I've moved in with my boyfriend, reconnected with three old friends, read six books, started A BLOG, gone to Chicago...etc. etc.
In the next six months I want to tour, sell twice the calendars I did last year, create a mini book, buy a digital camera and a scanner (so I can show you folks the pink room and my art work), make a red velvet cake, buy new shoes, stay connected with friends and family in California...etc. etc.
The check-in is a great way to take stock. As you probably know, I like to make lists. They are great for their immediacy. They instantly prove that fears are so often lies; that our lives are rich; that our dreams are attainable if done in small moves.
posted by Summer Pierre at
2:36 PM
2 Comments:
Happy Birthday Summer! I want you and Graham to set some time aside in Setember because I will be in NY for 4 to 5 days for CMJ.
Speaking of celebrating ones self...did you happen to seen "The Brown Bunny", written, directed, produced, filmed, original score by, key gripped, boom miked by the self proclaimed legend that is Vincent Gallo. IT IS SOOOO BAD! For that reason, I suggest you watch this film. It is just a movie written by Vincent Gallo, about Vincent Gallo, for Vincent Gallo.
Disclaimer:
If you read this blog Vincent Gallo. I really think you are a wonderful actor. I loved Buffalo 66 and also think your song writing is incredible. You are unique and special. Please do not hurt me.
That's funny - a couple of years back Tom and I started a tradition of including an empty list on the birthday card, to be completed by the celebrant, of things we want to do or accomplish over the upcoming year. It is great to go back now and look at these old cards and lists.
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