designing my regular programming

09 some systems that run my life

“Back to regular programming” is something we all say when our vacation ends, and we’re left with our normal routines. One time last year, after enjoying a dive weekend, I said this exact phrase to myself on the way back to Manila. Then, another thought immediately followed: what if I made diving a part of my regular programming?

In that moment, all the other things I wished were more regular entered my head— like doing yoga for myself (not teaching), reading novels, taking walks, having slow mornings, etc. I wanted to carve out time for all those things.

So with that intention plus my learnings from the book, Atomic Habits by James Clear, I chose not to set up goals for my year and decided to focus solely on designing my regular programming.

As a full-time artist, I can no longer afford to make art only when I feel like it. Therefore, I must make sure to always feel like it. So… staying inspired is part of the job. 🤷🏻‍♀️

With that mindset last year, I was able to justify a lot of the things I made time for. I decided to take my peace and health and happiness so seriously… and I believe that’s what made my year solid. I tried my best to dedicate enough time in a week to the activities that kept me happy, fit, and focused enough to do my job well.

These were some of the things I kept track of:

• Art. 15-20 hrs Studio Time per Week.

• Yoga. 3-5 hrs per Week.

• Read. 2 Books a Month.

• Dive. 1-2x a Month. Every other Month.

I committed to the things that filled my cup and it seemed that the more I did for myself, the more I could do for others.

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I. Art. 15-20 hrs Studio Time per Week.

I time myself when I paint. So for four to six hours a day, I am deeply focused and actually painting. Not planning, not cleaning, not writing emails proposals or quotations— which all take more hours to do.

To some this may seem so little and to others it might seem too much, but fifteen to twenty hours a week is my ultimate sweet spot when it comes to painting time. Fourteen hours and below counts as a very lazy work week, while 21 hours up will leave my right hand throbbing and all the way up to my shoulder for days. (See position above) That would also suck the heart and soul and joy from my art and I’d never want that.

I’m very disciplined when it comes to following my upper limit because I want to still be painting when I’m a 99 year old grandma! 👩🏼‍🦳🤞🏻 And I don’t ever want to get sick again!

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II. Yoga. 3-5 hrs per Week.

Teaching early morning yoga classes via Zoom became my commitment device for painting. It became the only thing that could pressure me out of bed and into my studio. And after each class, there’d already be three good things: (1) I’d have done yoga, (2) I’d have made my student do yoga, (3) I’d be inside my studio right next to the painting that needs to get painted, haha! So it’s a win-win-win!

I really love yoga. It just keeps me present and grateful and it’s another thing I hope to be doing until the rest of forever!

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III. Read. 2 Books a Month.

Reading is an antidote for overthinking. I realized this during the pandemic when I found calmness and enjoyment in thinking about other lives instead of my own. Even for a couple hours a day. Reading fiction in particular became something I looked forward to.

Plus, reading on the Kindle app on my phone became my official alternative to doom scrolling on Instagram! And reading when I go to bed (instead of scrolling) helps me fall asleep fast and prevents my thoughts from spiraling into oblivion! So it is also an extremely useful and time-saving habit that keeps the rest of my life intact.

PS. I am currently reading One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin.

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IV. Dive. 1-2x a Month. Every other Month.

I’m happy to report that I did get to make diving a part of my regular programming! It was something I worked really hard to be able to do monthly. Although… it became it’s own sheet on my expense tracker. 😅 A big ouch for my wallet, but a big blessing for my SOUL hahaha!

As someone who turned two hobbies into work, it’s just really nice to have a plain old regular hobby for pure fun and happiness. Oh, but imagine all the lines and patterns I find in the ocean! So I sometimes also pretend that I’m ~researching haha, kidding.

I really do hope to keep diving this year. 🤿

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Anyway, it’ll take too much time to list all the habits and systems that I track and try to stick to. Like drinking water, sleeping, walking, swimming, or calling my parents…

It’s all small things but, these small things make up my life.

Last year may have been the first year ever that I didn’t feel burned out towards the end. I was exhausted, yes, and maybe a little delayed on some projects… but if there’s something that I’m proud of from 2023, it’s that I really liked my days.

I like my regular programming, my regular life and my regular days… and that’s all I seem to want this year too. ❤️ I know this was a long one so if you’re still reading, thank you! Thanks for being here.

Til the next one!