What are my "non-negotiables"?
Setting priorities for my creative life.
As the first day of summer approaches, I’ve taken some time to think about how I can reinvigorate my creative life during this season. On the June 9 episode of his podcast The Walk, my friend
talked about his three daily “non-negotiables.” This way of framing creative priorities really connected with me.So, I started thinking: What are my “non-negotiables”? What are the two or three activities that warrant my time and energy on a daily basis, that support my core creative mission, and that deserve to be protected?
I’ve spent the last few days thinking about this and I’ve actually discovered four daily priorities that I want to devote my time to in the coming months:
Writing — I feel that writing is more than an activity—it is my calling. Through the written word I explore the world of ideas and make a positive impact by forging connections with readers. As long as I remember my core mission—to educate, entertain, and inspire readers of all ages—my writing is authentic and fruitful.
Reading — I’ve been a voracious reader for as long as I can remember. Whether picture books, comics, short stories, novels, myths, nonfiction, essays, memoirs, or anything in-between—I love books! Nonfiction books help me develop a habit of lifelong learning. Stories and novels fuel my imagination and grant me insight into the storyteller’s craft. Reading energizes me like nothing else.
Walking — Recent family medical scares have brought home to me the importance of taking better care of myself. One simple change I can make that will have reap huge benefits for my health is daily exercise. I love taking long walks around the neighborhood and in nature. Daily walks can supercharge my creativity too! I’ve noticed that when I get my body moving, ideas start to flow uninhibited and unexpected connections reveal themselves.
Prayer — Even though I left this “non-negotiable” for last, I actually consider it to be the most important. Prayer helps me keep things in perspective, keeps me centered on loving God and loving my neighbor. If all my creativity flows from this sacred center, it will surely bear fruit.
But how will I practically implement these “non-negotiables”? Well, I’ve already brainstormed a few ideas for a new daily creative routine:
First thing in the morning is prayer time. My daily devotions already include Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours and the Scripture readings from the Daily Mass. If you’re looking to begin a structured prayer routine, I recommend Magnificat Magazine. It’s a great resource!
After prayer, exercise is my priority. Summer means more hours of daylight, so this season is the perfect time for me to start going on early-morning walks again. My house is a fifteen minute walk from a beach and public park that offers wonderful views of the Long Island Sound.
Each morning, I’ll devote at least 1 hour to creative writing. As soon as I return from my walk, I’ll hop in the shower, grab a light breakfast, and then sit down at my writing desk. I plan to stick to this routine 5 days a week. My friend
runs an writer’s coaching group that will help keep me accountable.Daily reading comes naturally to me. That said, I will need to sacrifice my usual morning reading sessions to make room for my creative writing goal. But I’m comfortable reading at any time during the day. I might block off mid-afternoons for sitting down with a good book, depending on whether or not I’m working a shift at the museum that day.
So, that’s the outline of my plan to boost my prayer life, my health, and my creative writing this summer. Do you have any special summer goals? Do you have your own list of “non-negotiables”? Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time, take care and God bless!
Love this! Sounds like an excellent, manageable routine! Thanks for sharing, and thanks for the mention, too!