daily digression – Page 18

Clash!

I’m in the process of learning something pretty major. Some people… just don’t like… other people! Wild. You would think this would be pretty straightforward, but I have a hard time wrapping my head around it. If someone is being kind, generous, and full of love and empathy, what right does a person have toContinue reading “Clash!”

Culture of Creativity

In any creative environment, it’s important that each person feels seen and heard. The space of collaboration has to be expansive enough for each person’s contributions and for conversations of all kinds. In my experience, people find it difficult to maintain that freedom, despite their best intentions. Obstacles to that state of fun collaboration willContinue reading “Culture of Creativity”

Structure/Spontaneity

Hey. Whatcha writing there? Whatcha working on? I’m reworking bits of a play I’ve written and thinking about the importance of structure. I’m looking more closely at the overarching “rules” I’ve applied to the narrative: How quickly does the plot progress? What is the nature of time in the piece? What is the architecture ofContinue reading “Structure/Spontaneity”

Small Acts

We underestimate the power of small gestures. I believe all we want is to feel seen and heard. That’s what Oprah says, anyway. And that feeling of belonging can come from unassuming moments of interaction. A touch on the arm, an understanding smile, a free coffee (that one’s a doozy for me, let me tellContinue reading “Small Acts”

Distance

This is your friendly reminder that spending time away from a project is good. If you’re in the weeds with whatever it is you’re working on and you’re getting more and more overwhelmed with what you could/should be doing, take a break. Go for a walk. Do something else for a few days. It’s quarantineContinue reading “Distance”

One Month of Daily Doses!

When I started writing these daily posts a month ago, I was in a really weird place. Still am. There’s the whole quarantine thing of course, but also I very suddenly lost a group of friends and have been juggling feelings of confusion, isolation, anger, and worthlessness. Do I believe that I’m worth befriending? IContinue reading “One Month of Daily Doses!”

Integration

The artists I know and love and my life are often creative with how they construct their careers. Playwrights who are administrators, musicians who are entrepreneurs, etc. I find that looking at a career path through a critical and imaginative lens is important. As I move through my job as a professional fundraiser, I’m constantlyContinue reading “Integration”

Hard Things Pt 2

I’m still thinking about hard things and the necessity of curiosity. When in positions of leadership, I try to avoid blaming or shaming and instead stick to assertive claiming.* Rather than “You did this wrong,” I aim for “Here’s how I feel.” The object is not to bring a person down and make them smallerContinue reading “Hard Things Pt 2”