Sparking Joy (or at least trying to).
It’s been a while since I sat down to really blog and share some thoughts with you all, and that is due to two reasons- one of which is that we are really busy with some exciting big projects that are full steam ahead (a very good problem to have). And those projects need a lot of my attention, and require some travel. The second is, well… the world feels like its on fire and frankly, that makes motivation in short supply as far as sharing a lot on social media- be it personal or professional. We also have not had time to photograph a lot of our new work that is not in the book coming out in September, so I haven’t had a lot of content ready to go either, and creating content can be a full time job on it’s own. And reposting angry/funny memes, while occasionally cathartic, hardly a “influencer” makes. All in all, “overwhelmed” is a good term for how I’m feeling about everything top to bottom right now.
The past few months (and more acutely, the past 2 weeks) it’s been hard for me to focus and feel positive due to external forces, and its obviously a feeling that lots of us are having right now. The onslaught of sad, upsetting and negative news (coupled with the worst rainy, grey weather and you know, all that motherhood and marriage entails) has left me feeling downright drained. My job is to create beauty for those I work for and with, and right now things aren’t feeling very darn beautiful to me. I have spurts of being really excited and inspired, and then slogs of feeling like pretty discouraged and scared of where this world is heading, which affects everything I do. Its hard to find consistency in so much uncertainty and beauty in the ugliness.
So what do we do? What can I do? Turning off social media for me is not possible, but limiting my use of it is- and I need to be much better about that. Staying informed still, of course, but engaging in a meaningful way- not doom scrolling to zone out or get myself MORE mad. Being better about being present with my kids helps me too, as does making plans with friends, getting outside when it’s nice to take a walk, rage run, or just meander with Beans. Watching a totally escapist show, movie or reading a really good thriller always allows me to check out a bit. But this feeling like everything is a mess and the future is hazy has oddly helped me live a little bit less cautiously- hey, why not just buy that bag I’ve been eyeing, take that little weekend trip, get the ice cream cone, take the gummy? You know, stop overthinking everything and worrying that the bottom will fall out. It already kind of has, and within that -if you can find it- is a tiny bit of room to let go.
Obviously I am aware there is privilege in that way of thinking and living, and that people are absolutely struggling to even make ends meet, or watching their 401k dissipate, as well as many of their human rights. But in order to do the work we need to do- professionally, personally and as a collective country- we need to maintain a sense of joy and pleasure in our daily lives or else we will all be too burnt out to really fight when it counts. I feel myself walking that line now and want to course correct, for my sake and that of my little family and community. It’s something I fail at one day and do better at the next- or even minute to minute, honestly. But bringing a tiny spark of joy into your day- through your home, wardrobe, social calendar- is essential right now. So here are a few things that spark a little joy- the uncomplicated material kind- from a counter spray that makes me want to clean to chic sandals with fun details and everything in between. It’s the little things, after all.
Browse:
You articulated how so many of us feel so well. My takeaway is: give yourself permission to feel discouraged, but then act in whatever space you can, and specifically for your family/community, to feel and bring joy. Thank you for helping me reframe my thoughts. Keep showing us beautiful interiors and clothes and products!
You know it’s really unfair that you’re an amazing designer and a wonderful writer. :) Love these sparks and your heartfelt post. I’ve been in fight/flight and glued to the news in response to everything that is happening (vulgar, hateful, and criminal on every level) and you reminded me that a little spark is just what the doctor ordered. Thank you for all of the inspiration!
NOTHING from Amazon sparks joy for me. Bezos has destroyed the independence of the Washington Post editorial board so I refuse to purchase from Amazon. “The power of the people is greater than the people in power.”
Thank you, Erin, for your thoughtful comments and sparks of joy. Both are truly appreciated.
A Kindred Spirit
We all needed this, totally agree. I’m Australian and honestly feels like the whole world is falling apart.
As a Canadian, feeling nervous of the outcome of your current government, I try not to read too much news ( not within my control ), to not check on my investments (nothing I can do about that). We’re planning vacations abroad, spending time outdoors now that the weather on the west coast has improved, and watching series and movies instead of talk shows or news. We all have to do whatever brings us some peace and joy into our lives while not entirely burying our heads. It sounds like you have the right approach, Erin.
I always welcome your blog and Instagram posts.
Thank you. I needed that. And the pretty things to look at!
I agree on all counts—we have to find the sustaining balance between participating in maintaining our democracy and nurturing our energy for the important work of our daily lives. Lovely post, thanks for a boost of beauty! And for those who are interested, I highly recommend the 5 Calls app. They do virtually all of the leg work so that 5 minutes or less of your day can have an impact of the issues you care about. So quick and easy, check it out— makes me feel better to know I am making a small contribution.
I really appreciate this post. I feel very similarly and have been really struggling lately. I work in global supply chain, and many of the actions of our government are going to have major consequences. It is super discouraging. I am always interested in both your perspectives on all things as well when you share little things that can make our lives just a little bit happier :).
Erin, I feel your weariness. It is so weird living so far from the US right now given what’s going on- it’s’ a blessing to be insulated and I wish there was more I could DO. love your intention to find more joy and seize the day. nothing is guaranteed. I always look for your posts- no pressure to keep them coming except at a pace that suits you of course. thank you for your honesty and courage.
Joy, for me, comes as moments. A good night’s sleep. A walk in the sunshine with my husband. Cleaning out my closet and loving how organized it looks. Cocoanut shrimp for dinner. Finding the really good ice cream bars tucked away in the freezer.
And, not reading the front section of the newspaper. I can’t handle it.