Your good Monday vibes

Starting the week on the right side / Issue 1,186

Oh, hi friends!

How are you? How are you feeling?

Last week I posted a photo on Instagram saying "are the vibes weird today or is it just me?" Turns out many people thought the vibes were, indeed, weird. And we laughed and commiserated and found something to blame. (The weather. Why was it 60 degrees in February!!!) 

But today I will ask something different: 

"are the vibes good today or is it just me?"

Because I think we can shape-shift the day into whatever we want it to be. Asking the question is the first nudge.

are the vibes good today.

The answer is the second nudge:

yes.

We can start the week with high hopes and clear plans. With patience. With consistency.

Even amid distractions, detritus, drama. 

We will start the week with vibes so good they’re levitating.

You feel it? Let's go.

“The world isn’t waiting for more of the same.”

— Rick Rubin, The Creative Act

I was spelunking in a very comparison-y place (well, this musical did its character establishment song this way…) and Rubin’s sentiment hit me right where I needed it.

(Highly recommend the audio version — very soothing and meditative!)

Draft It, Then Draft It Again

Obsessed with this quick, charming video showing the many rewrites Oscar Hammerstein II (don’t forget the II) made for “The Sound of Music.”

You can literally see and hear the song getting better, tighter, clearer, easier to sing and understand.

Holding this close at the start of the week. A few changes to your own project can make a world of difference.

Keep going.

PS — If you’re new to this newsletter, hello! I’m Kara — I write plays and musicals and articles and these two journals to encourage you with your own projects (Do It For Yourself and Do It Today). I’ve been writing this newsletter (almost) daily for six years. It’s supremely nice to have you here. Say hi anytime in the comments or by replying to this newsletter. Cheering you on with your own meaningful projects, always.