Which calendar do you follow? Read if you think you can follow…
by Anna Atsu
If you attempt to "follow" my thoughts, you've likely hit a stumbling block.
On a more serious note, this year represents, for me, escaping from escapism through acceptance.
Expect a fair amount of "about me" discussion. If it's not your cup of tea, feel free to skip and mark in your calendar "Reading Anna's mind another time."
The concept of "following" someone on social media is as unrealistic as the platform itself. You'll never truly understand what "they" are up to, nor will you wholly grasp their intentions. Case in point: I suggested you stop reading, yet here you are, displaying a persistent curiosity about "me."
Consider one of my late-night social media posts:
"Go to sleep or you'll look like a zombie tomorrow" — a warning.
Contrast that with "Don't go to sleep and be a zombie" — an encouraging command.
Which sentence would you follow?”
It's likely that some, after reading the second sentence, felt a bit better about staying up late. Imperative sentences, designed to give commands, can either encourage or discourage action, depending on how they're formulated.
Most of the time, giving commands proves futile because people do what they want. True influence comes from encouragement, best exemplified by personal actions. Although these actions might start with discouragement, if you're genuinely interested, encouraged, or willing to follow, keep reading.
Primarily, I follow the Gregorian Calendar…
“Feeling a little blue in January is normal.”
— Marilu Henner
This year, I've experienced several “first-times”. It began a bit earlier than January, in December, which I dubbed a "movement month." Externally perceived as discouraged it marked a long period of confronting internal conflicts, pains, and dissatisfactions.
For the first time, I ventured to the places I'd longed to visit but felt restricted by various factors. I allowed myself the space to prioritise personal needs and explore a role not fully encompassed by my myriad roles. This year, I recognised the importance of focusing on growth where creativity became my ally. For the first time, I embraced the natural occurrences that I had previously rejected.
“You’ve gotta dance like nobody is watching, Love like you’ll never be hurt, Sing like nobody is listening, And live like it’s heaven on earth.”
― William W. Purkey
February became a month of acceptance and a realisation that I still have much to learn in that regard. I stumbled upon the Ethiopian calendar, based on the ancient Coptic calendar, which initially perplexed my worldview but eventually broadened my perspective on time. This calendar, typically seven to eight years behind the Gregorian, prompted contemplation on diverse temporal viewpoints.
Acknowledging individual perspectives, let's stick to February in the Gregorian calendar. I dedicated this month to rejecting the notion that "I can do it by myself," a mindset perpetuated by many capable individuals. Mothers and girlfriends may offer guidance, but ultimately, one must navigate their lessons. I grasped this concept some time ago, but this year, it crystallised. Reflecting on my impatience, like drilling a wall to hang a frame, or independently opening each door and window of opportunity, I laughed at the realisation that I need not "do it all by myself."
I understood that my true responsibility lies in "taking care of myself" and "doing things for myself." The challenging start of the year, coupled with grim news, pushed me towards prioritising self-care — a piece of advice I had often heard but failed to fully grasp until this year.
“It is easier to denature plutonium than it is to denature the evil spirit of man”.
― Albert Einstein
Chinese New Year marked the beginning of February. Red, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring positive energy, became my symbol. Embracing the dragon's strength, good fortune, and excellence, I infused positive energy into the start of the Chinese Year. Singing to myself while driving, I followed the rhythm of energising music I needed to hear, denaturing the evil spirits by encouraging them to follow me.
Practical lessons in learning occurred in February when I distanced myself from my routine, allowing informal lessons to unfold naturally. Observing the world with a detached perspective, I granted myself the right to be lost, unknowing, and incapable beyond immediate needs.
“March, when days are getting long,
Let thy growing hours be strong to set right some wintry wrong.”
― Caroline May
March, April and May promised a continuation of building strength, experiencing setbacks, grieving and joy, like an impossible mixture I needed to drink.
For the remainder of the year, let's avoid rushing ahead of the schedule. I've genuinely relished this year so far, and if you believe you can keep up, perhaps you'll share in the joy of knowing more about my endeavours. Let's aim to conclude the year unitedly allowing more harmony and acceptance. I'll share what I can, and you can reciprocate with your abundance. Together, let's hope we can navigate this process.
For those who haven't watched the film of the year, here's a reiterated quote:
-"Let's not give them false hopes."
-"We have to believe this might be possible."
One life
So, the imperatives that follow:
Believe in the power of change.
Inspire others by sharing your art and life experiences.
Be open about your struggles; it can help others feel less alone in theirs.
Communicate clearly, making sure your advice is uplifting.
While hard lessons are necessary, you likely have a good portion of self-awareness lessons for the rest of the year.
So support others today, and positive outcomes will follow.
From
Ps:
HOUR
This mirrors 100% of my heart and thoughts some hours ahead of my birth hour.
DAY
Born on a Sunday, I don't consider myself "too late" in a week.
MONTH
Which month was I born in? A late one, and as a balanced Libra, I echo the liberty of speech, which I ardently follow.
YEAR
In what year was I born? If you're curious, let me know your calendar, and I might reveal which one is ahead and which one follows!
STICK TO YOUR CALENDAR
I'm inclined to stick to my calendar and recharge striving not to resemble a zombie. Your help to recharge without electrocution, despite different sockets, would be appreciated.
Wishing you a good day or night, depending on your time zone.
I am happy that you gave me your hand. I will mention you once, even if you will not be on the front or back cover. Remember, your name is your name. I know yours and you know mine.
I still mostly follow some poets, historical figures and painters, including Van Gogh and Picasso. Most of them don’t post on social media. I think they might have been ahead of their time. Follow the bottom of this page to find out why I would give my “likes” to some of the icons and see if we have anything in common.
If you don’t want to follow me on social media, you might hear from me some more traditional way.
“Likes” tally that inspires me beside the other people I follow:
Both:
1. Used shapes and drawing expressively.
2. Simplified shapes.
3. Broke forms into flat colours rather than traditionally modelled forms.
Unlikes:
1. Van Gogh used the outlines of brushstrokes to replace modelling, but Picasso used strong value contrasts to replace modelling.
2. Van Gogh was a colourist, and Picasso’s paintings are based on value.
3. Van Gogh had a preference for curves, and Picasso for straight lines.
4. Van Gogh tended to follow traditional perspectives and outlines, although he varied them expressively, Picasso broke with perspective and outlines dependent on specific points of view.
“I would rather die of passion…”
— Van Gogh
“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls”.
“Everything you can imagine is real”.
— Picasso
Art of Wisdom i think it was anciet but i glimpse modern