|
I love not having plans. Not because I want to literally do nothing (though sometimes I do), but because zero plans is necessary for creative spontaneity and creative spontaneity is magical. We know how important it is to commit time to creativity, but equally important is carving out time for zero plans that leaves you open for creativity. Other side same coin? Like today, Labor Day 2026, I woke up to zero plans, and here I am finally finishing this newsletter. Our creative brains need space to breathe. Zero plans is a rarity for me. I did some quick math and of the 168 hours in a week, mine generally looks like this: 135 hours (80%) non-negotiables (sleeping, working, eating, commuting, school/ballet pickup/dropoff, errands/appts, exercising, etc) 33 hours (20%) everything else I like to do, including my creative practice (which, yes, should be in the non-negotiables, we’re getting there) This explains why when my Virgo-plan-loving-husband inevitably asks on a Monday morning as I am leaving for work, “What do you want to do this coming weekend? Do we have any plans?” I generally reply in a somewhat annoyed and curt tone, “No, and please don’t make any!!!” Maybe I’ll want to tinker around the house making stuff. Maybe I’ll want to go to the beach. Maybe I’ll want to go into the city. Maybe I’ll want to clean out the garage. In our over-scheduled, over-stretched, over-stressed culture, it takes intention and effort to slow down, listen for the signals, and actually have the time to act on them. Take a look at your week ahead. Is there a whole day, half day, or even a few hours you can preserve for zero plans and see where it leads? Having a hard time finding time for zero plans? Start by canceling draining plans. You can tell which those are when you see them on your calendar and get a pang of dread. You can also take it to the next level with a retreat. Our second Low Key Creative Retreat is in the Sierra Foothills September 25-28. Yes, it’s technically a big plan, but once you get there it’s a whole weekend where your only plans are being in a cozy cabin surrounded by nature and seeing what comes creatively. Reach out if you’re interested in hearing more.
|
