Jurica Koletić — Unsplash Why is it that we are so good at giving advice to other people but terrible at taking it from ourselves? I’m a textbook case. I’m a senior marketing executive at a large, global, publicly traded company. On paper, it would seem that I am respected, liked, and highly regarded. My teams perform well. I’m sought out to lead strategic projects, and for the most part, I get good reviews from my boss.
I love your acceptance of a habit that makes you human. Beautiful sharing ❤️
And, it reminds me of my own habit. I have probably at least 200 pens here at home, scattered about the house in a variety of coffee mugs and drawers. What I finally figured out about 10 years ago is that when I am stressed, I ogle pens. (There is probably something very Freudian in that LOL). I can’t walk out of Staples without a visit to the pen aisle. Visiting art fairs involves searching for the artisan who crafts pens. When my mom passed away, I knowingly, consciously bought 12 fountain pens to self soothe.... Needless to say, my husband has something to say about that. Nowadays, I can indulge and walk away. (BTW, not just Staples, but Walmart, Target, Dollar Tree, etc. wherever one pens are sold 🙃).
There is something neat, precise, mindful and somatic putting pen to paper. There is less joy in typing on a screen. Having a multitude of pens (mostly fountain pens nearby) gives me a sense of a little bit more control, a hobby to enjoy. Realizing when it is a reaction to stress helps me be kinder to myself. As it sounds like you are, too. ❤️❤️❤️
The one bad habit I’ve never been able to kick (and why now I don’t want to)
Marji, meeting you has been one of the many joys in my life. Staying in touch has brought me infinitely more joy 😘❤️
I love your acceptance of a habit that makes you human. Beautiful sharing ❤️
And, it reminds me of my own habit. I have probably at least 200 pens here at home, scattered about the house in a variety of coffee mugs and drawers. What I finally figured out about 10 years ago is that when I am stressed, I ogle pens. (There is probably something very Freudian in that LOL). I can’t walk out of Staples without a visit to the pen aisle. Visiting art fairs involves searching for the artisan who crafts pens. When my mom passed away, I knowingly, consciously bought 12 fountain pens to self soothe.... Needless to say, my husband has something to say about that. Nowadays, I can indulge and walk away. (BTW, not just Staples, but Walmart, Target, Dollar Tree, etc. wherever one pens are sold 🙃).
There is something neat, precise, mindful and somatic putting pen to paper. There is less joy in typing on a screen. Having a multitude of pens (mostly fountain pens nearby) gives me a sense of a little bit more control, a hobby to enjoy. Realizing when it is a reaction to stress helps me be kinder to myself. As it sounds like you are, too. ❤️❤️❤️