Alternative title: Why I don’t edit sticky notes and why I’m still here, writing.
Omit to Commit is all about the resources needed to opt into (and out of) behaviors, such as time, traditions (individual or group behaviors), trust, and treasures. By regularly making and breaking habits, life becomes more fulfilling and satisfying. I’m drafting a book called Omit to Commit, and in 2024, I’m posting research/your ideas/themes on the 20th of every month.
There’s something so satisfying about quick, expressive media. For me, a wannabe minimalist in stuff and occasional maximalist in style (hello, my hair is purple now, perfectly paired with my green glasses!), my preferred writing utensils vary by day, function, or feeling. Both are everyday mandalas: I dig the good ol’ #2 for sketching doodles and prefer a set of rainbow, erasable pens for scratching notes.
When writing on sticky notes via pen or pencil, I don’t typically erase whatever lands. Instead, I allow the writing and doodling to just live, as is. No editing. Both my scratches and sticky notes are everyday objects or “ephemera” (thank you, library studies, for that cool word).
I choose sticky notes for their latter function of notes more than their adhesive ability, yet another short-lived thing.
Sticky notes are not designed to live long and prosper. And yet I still write.
I use sticky notes not just for snapshots of synapses. They’re not simply notes to myself or others. Maybe it’s just me, but sticky notes are part of my still writing practice. That even if I’m sharing “just” a few sentences, making a short list, or doodling in the margins, I’m still committed to writing:
The meta-commentary of sharing these thoughts via blog post and sticky note is not lost on me. Maybe you need this reminder that writing and editing are different functions.
Editing can quickly turn to filtering your own perspective, which can be from perceived present-day or public perception(s) or future preservations. All valid.
But maybe you need the reminder to write today. Use whatever tool or format you want, even using a sticky note or 6 will do. Give yourself a moment to ponder. Allow those unedited thoughts, feelings, and memories to reveal themselves and exist. All essential for the creative process. (Feel free to share your creative process by filling out my habits form.)
Creating means allowing expressions to live outside your head.
Share what you create with a comment (or sticky note!) below.