CSP 004 - The Commute and finding time to create

And why I should set myself up for success more often

Howdy,

I hope you are well. I don’t often go into the office for work. Most of my work time is spent on video calls with people from around the world. But when I do go into the office, it’s typically London for me.

Let me put this out there right now - I’m not crazy mad about London. It’s nice to visit but I often get overwhelmed when I’m there. I guess because I go there for work, it’s maybe lost a little charm.

I grew up in Sheffield, Yorkshire, so London was this magical far-away place that was distant, enchanting, elegant and special. I didn’t visit London until I was in my teens.

When I did visit it was amazing.

Now, London means work. And work means video calls and politics and all of the other stuff that comes with it.

However, I’m all about finding time to create and the commute to London gives me this time.

There’s the quiet time on the train - I posted about this in the last edition - and then there is the walk to the office(s). I try to walk when possible as there’s plenty to see.

When I take my Ricoh GR camera and take it out of my bag when I leave the train in London, then I take photos.

Yet, I’m my own worst enemy. I often take the camera and leave it in my rucksack, or I convince myself I don’t need the extra weight and my iPhone will do.

Only I rarely take photos with my iPhone in London (the quality is too perfect) and there’s just something magical about using the Ricoh. The picture, the handling, the simplicity.

But when I do take the camera out of my bag, I get snapping. It’s a perfect time to take photos.

The camera itself is powerful yet completely unassuming. It fits in my pocket, and yes, it has no zoom but I can always move closer.

I often tell myself that I have no time - but it’s not really time at all. It’s energy and attention. And when I set myself up for success with my Every Day Carry - I see the creative benefits.

I may not feel like taking photos but I know that as soon as I get the camera out - I can’t help but shoot some photos.

I now have a non-negotiable rule when I commute to the big smoke - take the camera with me - and take it out of my bag at Waterloo.

Does your commute allow time for your creative pursuit? How do you garner the most energy and attention for what matters?

If you enjoyed this newsletter then please consider sharing it with friends, family and other creative souls. It helps me greatly. Take it easy and see you in the next one.

Rob..

PS : If you’d like to support Creative Soul Projects then please consider paid subscription, buying the “Take A Day Off” zine or sitting my online communication workshop. It means a lot. Thank you