Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Nourishing, Neutral, Depleting

I am going to start putting all thoughts and actions into three simple categories: nourishing, neutral, and depleting. And while neutral doesn't have to be negative, it can become so if there's too much of it. (Eg. dish washing, laundry, and cleaning are necessary neutrals, but there's a danger of depletion if you do too much of them. This is one of the many reasons people have husbands.)

So, some examples inspired by recent events:
• attending Jennifer Lauck's writing life workshop: CRAZY nourishing
• choosing conversation over sleep at every juncture during this trip: nourishing, b/c of the quality of the conversations
• throwing your heart into helping to empower and heal women from trauma: profoundly nourishing
• laughing hysterically at all the new tricks your almost-11-month old has learned in the 4-1/2 days you've been away: also profoundly nourishing

• reading People magazine voraciously as the plane takes off b/c you hate that part: neutral, but necessary (and fun, I'm not going to lie)
• unpacking: probably neutral, I wouldn't know. Maybe tomorrow?
• adding a third thing even when you don't have one because you totally buy into JL's rule of threes: neutral

• worrying about how in hell you are going to keep up with all of these incredible writers you have been admiring from the shadows: depleting
• the mental and emotional drop, a little sinking of energy as you realize it will be many months until you see these amazing women again: depleting, and totally worth fighting
• checking in online to see how things are going for Britney in rehab: VERY DEPLETING

And blogging after a glass of wine: PRICELESS.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kim, what a great set of distinctions (and examples!). I have never had a good model: I'm going to think about this as I prioritize my own stuff, and see what happens ~ Thanks, as always! oxo

Jerri said...

that unpacking thing? Totally over rated.

Would love to hear about some of the tricks she learned.

You're right. It does feel like a long time til we'll be together again, but keeping in touch helps a lot.

Love your new system. Think I'll adopt it myself if you don't mind.

kario said...

Love this! It's a terrific way to make sure you've got some balance in your life, Kim!

Buying decadent jammies: nourishing!

Jess said...

I love this post, so great. Wonderful way to break things down, I'm stealing it too.
:)

holly said...

count me in on stealing this system too!

sleeping baby + hot bath + great PJs + red wine + blogging x LOVE. = NOURISHING!

Carrie Wilson Link said...

Ditto everyone else. Not enough has been made about how much more complete the circle is with you, Kimmy Pie!

Favorite Kimmy quote of the weekend, "I so very recently went to bed." FUUUUNNNNYYY!!!

Jenny said...

Great post.

Deb Shucka said...

You've taken the threes to a whole new level! Thank you for the laugh and for your sunny warmth and bright optimism last weekend. I'm so honored to be in your company. Love, Deb

Deb Shucka said...

You've taken the threes to a whole new level! Thank you for the laugh and for your sunny warmth and bright optimism last weekend. I'm so honored to be in your company. Love, Deb

jennifer said...

LOVE YOU! You are so smart and such a great writer/thinker! It's so cool to see you out here in the bloggosphere.

Suzy said...

Nourishing- Traveling and talking with you on the long plane ride to and from the Workshop
Neutral-waiting 5 hours for the plane to take off
Depleting- NOT sleeping on the plane!