Clementine’s Top 8 Questions About Life Woes to Reflect on Regularly

words to know

commonplace book—a central archive of gathered sources for study under specified topical groupings

mundane—worldly, ordinary, or common

related commonplace topics

• adaptations

• collaboration

• modern philosophers

• problem solving

I tend to dwell on my current woes in home and work life. As an artist, this introspection is often the way to a wellspring of ideas. When I am isolated at home because of pain or fatigue, I can get bogged down in seemingly mundane experiences. I began viewing them as the source of inspiration, and this helped me cope with my limitations.

I started by capturing my thoughts as they came by making a commonplace book (see Curio Writing: Getting Started). Creating a finished product is intimidating when I’m budgeting energy, but recording my raw ideas is important. Fortunately, I can come and go from my commonplace book at any time. In the end, my commonplace book itself has become an art piece.

This process is a phenomena that can transport me all over the universe without ever leaving the house. What might you have to say to the wider world? I always consider these home and work fitness questions:

1. What is my biggest source of inspiration right now?

2. What is the most pressing question to answer this week?

3. What mistake in the past month needs addressed?

4. What recent work (paid or unpaid) felt valuable?

5. If I feel physical or emotional pain tomorrow, how will it reflect in my efforts?

6. What was my best response to a problem during the past week?

7. What process could I improve today through learning something new?

8. How can I rebalance my work space to suit my current needs?

Final Thoughts

These broader landscape questions take me beyond a basic self-care checklist. They speak to the narrative of my whole person, yet reflect on health and productivity. Sometimes, I even find ways to make tomorrow’s landscape better. I hope you will, too.