An Artist Residency in Motherhood (#ARiM): Getting Started
EMBODY: where I am
This is the first completed cycle within my residency program: August 29 (the start of the miscarriage) to October 10 (start of my period).
Rather than follow individual months (or even moon cycles) I’m choosing to follow my own menstrual cycle to create and document my creative work - which could very well change if we decide to get pregnant again.
I have a file folder full of half-baked ideas (some that are ready-to-go!) - and this is mixed with questions about what to do first and whether or not I’m “ready” (i.e. whether or not I can complete each project “perfectly”).
I’m currently working inside scraps of time (a morning when the kids watch a movie, an afternoon when Jeffrey is feeling well enough for care-taking, an evening when I can’t fall asleep) - which feels entirely overwhelming.
I’m taking intensive care of my body and my heart: taking vitamins (most) mornings and evenings, re-starting an almost-daily morning movement practice, and spending conscious time with my partner every day.
ENLIGHTEN: what I did
I submitted one article for publication (that was rejected).
I created the guidelines for this project and opened the possibility for donations to my work.
I reduced my time on social media to less than one hour per week and committed to de-centralizing marketing on Facebook/Instagram from my work.
I created my pinterest account (to replace primary marketing on Facebook/Instagram).
I registered Unravel Your Days LLC in the state of Ohio!
I created two blog posts / emails to my list:
I posted one vlog to instagram:
ENVISION: what I will do
This cycle I want to create sanctuary: a video lesson with practices to embody a sense of “home” (the starting place of deep creation). (This will be my new email opt-in.)
Do I need to revisit my Ideal Client Avatar? When will I record this video? How will I make it available on my website / What’s the necessary before-and-after email nurture sequence?
I want to create a Sacred Schedule for my work in coming months: 2 full-days for copywriting work, 1 full-day (or more) for #ARiM work.
Is this possible (right now)? Is this how I want to create? Can I create this work alongside homeschooling the kids - or do I need separate time?
I want to build ritual practice into my daily workouts.
If I plan to workout at 11:30a when the kids watch their show, what will help this practice feel nourishing (and necessary)?
[This EMBODY/ENLIGHTEN/ENVISION framework comes from my work with Kati Overmier via Unravel Your Days LLC.]
