Take Notes

I know how this looks, I'm a writer encouraging people to write things down. But I don't think of what I'm nudging you to do like writing, it's more of a suggestion to take notes.

Even though it feels like we could never possibly forget the details of this time, things are moving fast–showing no signs of slowing down–and, as one of my mentors used to say, we only have so much RAMM (the memory, in computing, that can be accessed randomly).

All of us are learning a lot about ourselves, how we feel about the way the world works, and what we need to feel whole on a given day. Write some of it down- it makes for great data. I'm so happy that I kept a few of my notebooks from the years I had the restaurant, their contents add texture to my memories, including the ones that look like lists of ingredients that can reconnect me with the fun and creativity I felt while planning a menu. The distressing entries–cataloging sleeplessness and posing unanswerable questions–are also helpful reminders on the days I wonder why I gave it up.

You don't need a journal, you don't have to do this alone, and it doesn't take a lot of time. Jot down a couple of notes when you wake, before you fall asleep, or after you brush your teeth. Ask a friend to do it with you and exchange them as a text thread. It doesn't have to be anything deep, it's just a trick to get you to pay closer attention to your experience.

If a blank canvas is too overwhelming, start with some questions like–no pressure to do more than one:

What changed for me today?

Who am I thinking about (and what are those thoughts)?

What, if anything, do I miss/not miss?

Did I have any firsts today?

My inbox is open if you want to trade messages.