My friend Preston gave me a great bit of advice yesterday:
"I've done the dishes and made the bed as a preemptive strike against accomplishing nothing today - so no matter what happens now I have at least that going for me"
This might sound trite or silly but I think it's genius.
I'm often left at the end of the day feeling like I've accomplished nothing, or even moved in reverse from where I was the day before. It's exhausting and demoralizing. But a simple practice like this can really make a difference.
During the pandemic Jamie & I started making the bed on a daily basis for the first time in as long as I can remember. I'm not sure what sparked it off, but it was very helpful because it was one constant during an incredibly chaotic time. Today doesn't feel a lot less chaotic to be honest, so adding a few more rituals to the mix might be just what's needed.
When the weather becomes less obstructive I might add a walk to the lake to the list. I think I could really use to hear some waves before I engage with capitalism each day.
Jason J. Gullickson, 2026