Commitments to Myself

Sunday reflections

We carry too much guilt about letting others down- and too little fear of letting ourselves own.
We don’t fullu control whether we live up to others’ expectations. We do decide whether we meet our own.
The most important commitments to uphold are the ones you make to yourself.

Adam Grant

Today I have been reminded (several times in several ways) to keep my commitments with myself. The artist date is one writing responsibility I’m most inconsistent with, but it’s also one of the most inspirational ones. I feel so much better after I take myself out. I looked at all the journals and pens at BAM and I bought some books from a local used book store. I thought about how I choose to pick up a book. I read the description and then the first page to decide which book to get. I do start with the title and the author’s name. (It’s funny because, “what’s in a name.”) On my artist dates, I get to look at things as long as I want; without interruption, without any other goals or responsibilities. Being a parent for 14 years really takes these moments away from ya. Then add a husband in the mix, and browsing is out the winder.

Back to the point, keeping commitments with myself. I want to trust myself. I want to be that person for myself that I would be for any one of my other friends (or strangers even). I want to care about my concerns. I want to care about mind and my body and my soul. If taking myself to a bookstore or craft store once a week brings me joy and gives me the motivation to chase all my dreams, why wouldn’t I do that? (I can tell you why I wouldn’t. But this isn’t the place for it right now. I’m trying to make a point.) Artist dates are important for me as a creative writer, mom, wife and human being. I want to do better. I want to be more consistent when giving to myself.

SO

There’s 9 weeks left in 2022 I challenge myself to 9 more artist dates to finish out the year strong! Count down has begun. Anyone wanna join me?!