Experimentation

"All art is a work in progress. It's helpful to see the piece we're working on as an experiment. One in which we can't predict the outcome. Whatever the result, we will receive useful information that will benefit the next experiment. If you start from the position that there is no right or wrong, no good or bad, and creativity is just free play with no rules, it's easier to submerge yourself joyfully in the process of making things. We're not playing to win, we're playing to play. And ultimately, playing is fun. Perfectionism gets in the way of fun. A more skillful goal might be to find comfort in the process. To make and put out successive works with ease."

— Rick Rubin, _The Creative Act: A Way of Being

Inspired by this perspective, I will use this newsletter for the next 28 days as a creative experiment. I'll write about whatever crosses my mind daily, putting in the mental and creative reps. This journey is less about perfecting the outcome and more about enjoying the creative process—embracing unpredictability and learning from it.

This isn't just about words. I'll also experiment with the format, design, and overall feel of The Parental Notion. This space will become a sandbox for testing new ideas, discovering what resonates, and finding what truly fits.

Experimentation is a daily practice as a developer and cybersecurity engineer, where constant iteration is critical. But in my creative work, I've often hesitated to experiment openly, held back by the fear of failure and public scrutiny. It starkly contrasts the freedom I enjoy in my 9-5, where imperfection is a natural part of the process.

For 28 days, The Parental Notionvwill be in flux—a messy, creative playground. The goal isn't perfection but exploration and refinement. At its core, this project aims to simplify the complexities of parenting and marriage, automating the mundane tasks so we can focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with loved ones.

I've spent many years focused on career growth, often at the expense of personal moments and added stress. These experiences have led to missed events and strained relationships and created habits I'm constantly challenging. This experiment is my way of breaking free from those defaults and developing my ideas on nurturing my family and life.

---

Public experimentation has often intimidated me, but it's time to embrace the uncertainty and see what unfolds. Whether it's reflections, tools for parents, or musings on daily life, this period is about exploring and sharing without the burden of perfection.

Expect a mix of ideas, hits, misses, and valuable insights. This is an invitation to see The Parental Notion as a dynamic, evolving project, growing as we explore what works and what doesn't.

Thank you, as always, for taking the time to view this creation.