flow | flō | verb [no object ] 1 (of a fluid, gas, or electricity) move along or out steadily and continuously in a current or stream: from here the river flows north | ventilation channels keep the air flowing | a cross-current of electricity seemed to flow between them. • (of the sea or a tidal river) move toward the land; rise. Compare with ebb.2 [with adverbial of direction ] go from one place to another in a steady stream, typically in large numbers: the firm is hoping the orders will keep flowing in. • proceed or be produced smoothly, continuously, and effortlessly: talk flowed freely around the table. • (of clothing or hair) hang loosely in an easy and graceful manner: her red hair flowed over her shoulders. • be available in copious quantities: their talk and laughter grew louder as the excellent brandy flowed. • (flow from) result from; be caused by: there are certain advantages that may flow from that decision. 3 (of a solid) undergo a permanent change of shape under stress, without melting.

To live in ‘flow’ for the year 2021 has opened my eyes to what it means to honour my own values over not just a moment, but over a long period.

It’s easy to say our values, and it’s a lot harder to live them.

Over this year, I have written, produced and even ended long-standing projects and collaborations.

The process of ending long-standing projects and my own involvement in a handful of collaborations allowed me to truly understand what following ‘flow’ and its unique rhythm can do.

Authentic rhythm creates long-lasting and sustainable momentum.

We often think that it’s how much we are being seen, heard, and understood that makes us valuable in our lives and work, yet so much of what makes us valuable is the unseen moments.

That moment on the phone listening to a good friend share their burdens.
That moment of sitting at your desk despite tiredness and finding a reply in your inbox that makes you smile.
That moment of laughter at the end of the day over a silly observation in life.
That moment of knowing that what matters most is the two faces you wake up to in the morning.
That moment you pass a plate to someone who needs an excellent tasty something, and you get to rest in their enjoyment of being nourished.

So much of the world wants to tell us that we have to force it.

Ignore our feelings.
Fit in more hours.
Sleep less.
Hustle more.

But Flow says

You can move steadily along
From here to there.
There to here.
There is no one perfect shape.
But your shape.
No one perfect way.
But your unique way.
Not one particular pattern.
But the one you are still learning to make.

Living with Flow has given me the permission to move in a way that only I can.

In methodical, powerful and inspiring ways.

Onwards,

to 2022.

With working on my own projects, taking on freelance work, balancing the mama life and maintaining family and friend relationships I have been meditating on

‘Flow’

How do I respect the flow?

What is flow?

Flow is tossed around within the creative and millennial communities as a term we use to describe what it means to be in a good productive working physical and internal atmosphere.

Flow Professionally:

Means I do my best to accept and actively do work during my prime productive hours.

For me, this looks like mornings for technical work, and evenings for creative work.

I have noted over the years as a student, freelancer & human being that from 1:40pm - 5:00pm I am a zombie of energy. During those hours I tend to dip in energy (no matter what food or exercise routine I do) and am apathetic in motivation. This could be due to the way my energy is at an all time high from 7am - 1pm, or that I tend to stay up till close to midnight most nights for creative and inspirational purposes.

Either way, I have learned over the years, and especially at this stage in my life, that working to match that rhythm produces my best work.

Flow Personally

Means I create routine and boundaries for the things in which I value and know feed my soul.

For me, this looks like having bi-weekly routines of date nights, friend dates, farmers market visits etc, while also making sure the times I am least energetic is where I am at rest, read, journal, etc.

Knowing yourself is a huge part of optimizing your flow.

As an example, I know I am a social introvert. I am stimulated by intimate settings with others, but too much and I am drained. I also realize that I do need that time to retreat and reflect in order for me to continue giving out in a healthy and high quality manner.

& with that…

I am at my best when I respect and adjust my days to match the work flow that brings me to where I need to be.

Optimizing your personal and professional work flow and respecting those limits is a way in which to produce excellent work that continues to grow in concepts and depth while also protecting oneself and the work from burn out.

Something clicked just over a month ago.  

I can and should have multiple different projects on the go in various stages of development at all times. 

This has been true for me at different times in my work, but never intentional.

It hit me while sitting and listening to women in the storytelling industry.

It is normal and in fact, part of the creative industry to be multitasking with various projects.

You see, that is not in my nature.  I am a multi-tasker in my day sure, but not in how I live my overall life.  If I want to do anything, I am guns blazing from start to finish.  I want to start at the beginning and get to the end, as fast as I possibly can.  

That is not how it works in the theatre, film and television industry.  

It takes Months.  Seasons.  YEARS even.

This realization is blowing my mind and still a challenge to comprehend.

At this point, all I can truly say, is that I am learning how to be more comfortable and capable with balancing this reality.  Having four projects this season seems daunting and overwhelming and yet, it also seems absolutely possible and motivating. 

As my awareness and understanding of how this works develops for me I will definitely be documenting and sharing my process and learning.  

Until then,

With various projects I go....