A softer approach to life (Mapambo Festive Adornments: Edition 2023:5)
In this edition: a reframe, in the form of a six word story and a 100 word story
Why Adornments? Just as the mapmakers of old added embellishments around the edges of their maps, I like to think of all the bits in this letter as adornments to life. If you enjoy this, I’d really love to hear from you (either hit Reply or leave a comment below). If you read via the Substack app, you can also share, like or restack this - all are welcome and appreciated!
Dearest Moodler
Well, it’s just a few days until the 25th - what always seems like a countdown to me.
I’ve spoken to so many people recently who feel like they’ve been rushing to “get it all done”, like it’s the end of the world, rather than just another day in our calendars. Some openly admit that actually all they want to do when “C Day” comes is to sleep because they’re so exhausted, or hide in a darkened room.
Why do we do this to ourselves?
If you’ve been racing towards the countdown and wondering why, I’ve got 2 short stories for you today which I hope will be food for thought, a reframe of shorts, in the form of a six word story and a 100 word story.
The reframe?
Moving forward, I’m encouraging myself to be a dimmer switch - a gentler, softer way to be in the world. I’m hoping to take this idea forward with me as I move into 2024.
I wish you and your loved ones a safe and peaceful break. May it be filled with soft, gentle moments, many small joys and countless opportunities for moodling.
Six word story
On?
Off?
Maybe softened, not extinguished.
When I was doing my 365 photo projects in 2014 to 2106, I did a number of six word story challenges using photographs as a prompt. I’ve realised I’ve missed doing them. This is the first one I’ve done in years! Inspired by Hemingway's famous six-word tale, "For sale: baby shoes, never worn,” the "six word story" has served as a prompt for both writers and photographers. For examples visit Six Word Stories
100 word story
On or off
Like a light switch
Either, or …Some days, I feel that I’m switched “ON”
The energy flows - I’m fully on it
I am litSome days, I feel like I’m totally switched “OFF”
Shut down. Disconnected. Powered down. Immobilised.
I am blown outWhat if …
There’s a continuum? Or a mid way point?
Between on and off where I can embrace middle ground?Perhaps today, I’m a dimmer switch
I’m turning the dial to half way
My energies and light are not too bright, not completely shut off
Softened, diffused but not extinguished
Balanced, steady
There are a group of us who write 100 words stories here on Substack, encouraged by
but they are also a “thing” beyond Substack. Have a look here for starters!Be a dimmer switch - a gentler way to be
This is my last “adornments” letter of 2023 (I think. 😊 I’m not sure it there will be another edition out before the 31st of December).
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I need to adopt your methods Debs, my candle is burnt out, the lightbulb blown... the need for a gentle, slow glow now urgent and thankfully holidays, in the nick of time!
I live thé way you’ve written this lovely... thank you for the reminder that it’s possible 🙏🏽xx
Never a 6 word one, perhaps I’ll give one a try today. I did once enter a 100 word contest. It was fun!