So happy to see your new post in my inbox. I relate so much—the constant struggle to bring big ideas to life in a world full of distractions and low energy.
What helped me: I started an analog Zettelkasten. It’s perfect for tracking ideas because our important thoughts have underlying themes we revisit again and again. The Zettelkasten helps me spot those recurring topics in my writing/interests, and my hope is that, over time, certain cards turn into essays—and essays into a book. That’s the plan for now, and it’s fun. It lets me focus on smaller ideas (or parts of ideas) without losing the bigger picture.
For me, analog beats digital. I still use Obsidian—but only to keep the texts I want to archive. Analog is less distracting and more tactile—more haptic, if that makes sense.
If you want to explore analog Zettelkasten, check out Kathleen Spracklen’s YouTube channel. She’s a great teacher.
Anja!!! Oh, how I have missed you! Thank you for commenting, and as always - giving great solutions. You had me at “analog,” as I find myself having less and less tolerance for anything digital or any type of media. It is like I am often drawn to both especially if they help me make connections, but somehow - I end up feeling overwhelmed and more distant from my ideas or other people. Somehow - I know that you will understand this. I was also drawn to the idea of working on “parts of an idea” - this just felt good in my body as I considered it. I have watched the first two videos in Kathleen’s Minimalist Approach (as I don’t want to get myself overwhelmed) and have ordered a giant pack of 4 × 6 cards. I am excited about learning this new method and of course, to have another connection to you. I hope you are doing well and sending love to your whole family.
Hey Loretta. Great to hear from you. A lot of this rang true for me and my (recently discovered) neurodivergence. All those things we have going on, like differently wired brians, trauma, and grief, don't make it easy. X
Ian!!! How nice it is to return to writing and hear from an old friend. This is exactly what I needed to start out my November. Hope you are doing well!
Struggling on, thanks! As for the creative projects, I now have 1-2 hours on Sunday night set aside as a commitment. That's all I can do but it's great to have at least that. As for you, flow the way you need to flow - and remain the good soul that you are. X
Hi Loretta 🙌
So happy to see your new post in my inbox. I relate so much—the constant struggle to bring big ideas to life in a world full of distractions and low energy.
What helped me: I started an analog Zettelkasten. It’s perfect for tracking ideas because our important thoughts have underlying themes we revisit again and again. The Zettelkasten helps me spot those recurring topics in my writing/interests, and my hope is that, over time, certain cards turn into essays—and essays into a book. That’s the plan for now, and it’s fun. It lets me focus on smaller ideas (or parts of ideas) without losing the bigger picture.
For me, analog beats digital. I still use Obsidian—but only to keep the texts I want to archive. Analog is less distracting and more tactile—more haptic, if that makes sense.
If you want to explore analog Zettelkasten, check out Kathleen Spracklen’s YouTube channel. She’s a great teacher.
So good to have you back, Loretta.
Anja!!! Oh, how I have missed you! Thank you for commenting, and as always - giving great solutions. You had me at “analog,” as I find myself having less and less tolerance for anything digital or any type of media. It is like I am often drawn to both especially if they help me make connections, but somehow - I end up feeling overwhelmed and more distant from my ideas or other people. Somehow - I know that you will understand this. I was also drawn to the idea of working on “parts of an idea” - this just felt good in my body as I considered it. I have watched the first two videos in Kathleen’s Minimalist Approach (as I don’t want to get myself overwhelmed) and have ordered a giant pack of 4 × 6 cards. I am excited about learning this new method and of course, to have another connection to you. I hope you are doing well and sending love to your whole family.
Haha, I knew you would love the idea of an analog Zettelkasten. Enjoy exploring, my friend.
Hey Loretta. Great to hear from you. A lot of this rang true for me and my (recently discovered) neurodivergence. All those things we have going on, like differently wired brians, trauma, and grief, don't make it easy. X
Ian!!! How nice it is to return to writing and hear from an old friend. This is exactly what I needed to start out my November. Hope you are doing well!
Struggling on, thanks! As for the creative projects, I now have 1-2 hours on Sunday night set aside as a commitment. That's all I can do but it's great to have at least that. As for you, flow the way you need to flow - and remain the good soul that you are. X