Zig When Others Zag

A journey beyond conformity

Photo Credit: Pinterest Jonathan Trasher

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It was a delayed start for me and the ridgebacks today, mainly because I wanted to read and journal whilst it was still dark, plus, the minus one degree temperature wasn’t so inviting this morning.

Arriving later to the beach, especially on a Saturday morning, means a flurry of dog walkers, park runners and tourists.  Which doesn’t bother me, just as long as they stay in their own lane.  Have you ever noticed, if you’re a regular early morning dog walker like me, that you have a route you like to stick to.  Dare anyone crowd your route. Almost like the path you tread is yours and yours alone. Ridiculous I know, but I know you think it.  It’s similar to what happens when the warmer months arrive and herds more people land, zagging slowly in front of you.

Anyway, I’m not here to rant about the beach being more crowded than usual, but I do want to delve deeper into the analogy of “zig when others zag”.

And what does it truly mean to “zig when others zag”?  

For me the concept lies in the beauty of being different, breaking the rules and embracing the quirks that make life extraordinary.  I guess it means going in the opposite direction and being content with the decision to do so.

We live in a world where conformity often takes centre stage, just look at how we aren’t supposed to take our children out of school during term times. Hands up who does this? Yes, me too! Why? Because it’s so much cheaper to go abroad during the out of season months. Even the fine that the schools threaten to send you is a drop in the ocean compared to the savings of a family holiday before the Summer term ends.  Don’t get me started on the Covid vaccinations. So my point being, is feeling confident when choosing to zig when others are zagging, it is a celebration of individuality, a rebellion against the mundane and an invitation to dance to the rhythm of my own drumbeat.

I’ve always pondered over why follow the crowd when you can craft your own unique path?! What are your thoughts on this? Have you ever chosen to embrace the zig?

After all, how dull would life be if we all adhered to the same script.  

It’s exactly what I write about with regards to my therapeutic journaling programs.  I’ve studied the most popular techniques and keep researching new methods, my mission though, is how to simplify journaling, so the masses can adopt the practice. “Morning Pages” does not suit a lot of people, yet it does work well for the majority.  But just because it works for some, does not mean you’ll be able to master it.  I am a good example of that - I tried Julia Cameron’s “Morning Pages” but I lasted all of 10 days, there was no way I could dedicate time first thing in the morning and write 3 pages of longhand.  However, I do journal every single day, sometimes it’s only 3 words, sometimes it’s 5 pages.  I don’t ever miss a day. My journaling has become a ritual. Here’s the thing, I decided to zig when other zagged, when it comes to adopting a daily journaling habit.

However, zigging involves a little rule breaking and a whole lot of embracing quirks. So maybe if you’re quite the rebel, you’ll have zigged plenty in your life. I find it’s all about challenging the norms and relishing in the unconventional.  I do believe the beauty lies in the unexpected, especially when you dare to free yourself from the chains of conformity.

Just as in life, for example, the digital landscape is having quite a shift.  Have you noticed how lots of people have now left “X” formally known as Twitter, no surprise there though, as it became rather a toxic platform. Then there is Instagram, once a bustling creative hub, originally launched for sharing photographs and short form copy, now it’s witnessing an exodus, as individuals choose to zig away from this very mainstream platform. Emma Gannon wrote about this very subject on her Substack just before Christmas Day Goodbye, Instagram

For the more curious souls amongst us, zigging is second nature.  It’s driven by an insatiable desire to explore, discover and uncover the hidden treasures off the beaten track.  Like earlier, when I chose to zig from the zagging dog walkers, I found a new track down to the beach. It literally opened the door to unforeseen possibilities,  I left the crowds to find an open stretch of coastline, it was sheer bliss.

For me, the beauty of “zigging when others zag” is not in the destination but in the journey itself.

Will you zig or zag today?  Will you dare to be different?  Maybe these journaling prompts will help guide your thoughts and steer you away from conforming.

1. Recall a time when you deliberately chose to zig while others were zagging.  What prompted this deviation, and what did you discover about yourself in the process?

2. Consider a recent situation when you ventured into the unknown.  What emotions surfaced, and how did the act of zigging impact your perspective on the unfamiliar?

3. Explore instances in your daily life where you intentionally choose to go against the norm, no matter how minor.  How do these small acts of deviation bring a sense of freedom or joy into your life?

4. Explore any fears or apprehensions you may have about choosing a different path.  How can therapeutic journaling help alleviate these fears and empower you to embrace deviation?

5. Consider how your choice to zig reflects your authentic self-expression. What aspects of your personalty emerge when you intentionally deviate from the expected norms?

Let me know how you get on.

As I’d love to hear about whether or not you decide to “zig” this weekend!

Before I sign off, I have a little announcement, as of Thursday 18th January at 1pm, I am launching “Journal with Ease”.  It’s a weekly online journaling club, where each session is crafted to guide you through thought provoking prompts, gentle reflections and moments of profound connection.  It’s a structured yet flexible exploration, providing you with the journaling tools to navigate your thoughts with ease. It costs £12.50 per week and it’s FREE for my paid substack subscribers.  I hope the stars align and you’re able to join me and other like-minded souls next Thursday to “Journal with Ease”.

Until the next time

Take care and stay safe xx