Some Happy Scribbles...
This week has been one of gloomy world news and weather, and I keep catching myself wishing I could go back in time to when I was young and completely oblivious to politics, war, and the attendant horror and worry. But, I keep reminding myself, life is full of tiny pockets of happiness if you pay attention and look for them. Here’s what made me happy this week.
Have a wonderful weekend,
xoxo
Amelia
Glorious Winter Sunsets
Lately I’ve noticed that even if the day is grey and cloudy, the sky often clears before sunset - just in time for the “golden hour.” In my ideal life, I would make the most of this time, savoring it by getting outside, going for a leisurely walk, and truly experiencing the joy of sunshine in winter; but in my current life, I am usually in the midst of after-school errands! Even so, this week, I’ve been making the effort to raise my gaze, and appreciate the every day, always available, beauty of nature.
Groovy Tunes
When it comes to music, I have a penchant for golden oldies vs. new stuff, so I was delighted to discover the Good Feeling 70’s playlist on Spotify. I have been listening to it while making dinner, and it really does improve my mood!
Time For A Clean Sweep
This week, I realized that we’ve been using the same toilet brushes for 8 years - gross, right? It was time for a clean sweep (pun intended), and, wanting advice as to which toilet brushes work best, I went to Wirecutter to see what they recommended. I love this resource - I trust their research and it saves me going down a rabbit hole of endless online shopping comparisons. My new OXO brushes arrived and are perfect. The grey color blends nicely into the background - because who wants to be looking at a toilet brush?! - and they do their job well. Most importantly, they do not hold 8 years of yuck!
The Joy of An Artist Date!
Several years ago I read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron and immediately began doing the Morning Pages each day. I’ve had a much harder time incorporating the other practice she recommends doing weekly - The Artist Date. This is a solo adventure to do something that brings you joy and feels like play - it can be as simple as doing a jigsaw puzzle or taking a walk.
Here’s what Julia says: “When choosing an Artist Date, it is good to ask yourself, “what sounds fun?” — and then allow yourself to try it.”
This Wednesday, I succeeded in actually going on an Artist Date: I went to see The Worst Person in the World at the movie theater and it did feel fun to do something I wanted to do, just for me. The movie, set in Oslo, follows a young woman as she searches for love and her direction in life, and while it wasn’t the best movie I’ve ever seen, I definitely enjoyed it! And true to Julie Cameron’s promise, while I was sitting in the dark theater, some new creative ideas sparked.
If you’d like to know more, here’s a great piece on Artist Dates and why they’re wonderful for nurturing creativity and joy.
Subtly Subversive Life Advice
Have you read any of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novels? I’ve read two (Verity and It Ends With Us) and they are fast-paced, emotionally intense page turners. Because she has a new book out, Hoover has been doing press, and I can’t stop thinking about what she said about her approach to her career and life in this podcast and this interview.
Here are some quotes:
“…my goal since I started, is to never make this feel like a job. I want it to feel like a hobby.”
“If it’s something that stirs up excitement within me, I’ll do it. If it’s something that instills a sense of dread, I say no. I live my life with the singular goal of being happy, and that drives every choice I make.”
“I am my own biggest advocate for my mental health…I have catered my entire life and career around what leaves me the least stressed. I’m also very lucky in that I have a wonderful support system. Not everyone who comes into your life has your best interest at heart, so knowing the people who surround me want to see me happy before they want to see me succeed is the key to a stress-free environment.”
And this:
“My mother never emphasized success or money when she discussed our future careers with us. She always emphasized happiness. Therefore, I chased happiness over everything else and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
I love her emphasis on happiness and mental health above all, and I love that her mother instilled those values. I want to pass this ethos on to my kids, but I find that society often conspires to tell us that hustle and money and status matter more than seeking happiness, reducing stress, and prioritizing emotional and mental wellbeing. I’m thrilled that Colleen Hoover proves it’s possible - both to put happiness first, and to become successful (by society’s measures) to boot.
Tiny Chocolate Treats!
Cadbury Creme Eggs are back! I am obsessed with chocolate and am in a constant battle with myself to limit the amount I eat (if unchecked, I can and will devour entire bags or blocks - especially my Aussie faves, Violet Crumble and Cherry Ripe). Accordingly, I love to find small, individually wrapped (and delicious) treats, and it’s even better if they’re seasonal! Before Valentines Day, I was really into these heart-shaped chocolate covered marshmallows and right now, my treat is two Cadbury Creme Eggs. I think the process of unwrapping them slows me down! Once Easter is over, I’ll be on the hunt for something else…
Until next week, Stay Classy, San Diego!
