Thinking About Writing

In this week's writing reflection, I wanted to talk about how I've learned to nurture my art during those times when work is occupying most of my mental bandwidth.
 
You know what I'm talking about. Those times when some project or team sprint has you thinking about work on your commute home, when you're getting ready for bed, and when you're in the shower getting ready the next morning.
 
And that, is both the problem and the solution. I had a writing mentor once tell me that you are what you think about. So when you don't have as much time in the day for dedicated writing time, then make sure you're at least thinking about it. Sound lame?
 
Well, he said the best way to do this is by tricking your brain. We're pretty simplistic creatures when it comes to habit, and he said even if your time is occupied by other things, if you make sure the last thing you're thinking about when you fall asleep at night is your art, and it's the first thing you think about when you wake up, eventually, even when you're super busy with work, your brain gets into the habit of thinking about it in the little quiet moments. Eventually, it might even become a meditative practice for you during stressful times at work.
 
So next time you're in one of those time periods where your work is taking up all of your bandwidth, set that boundary, and just make sure to start and finish your day with your art. It makes a difference.