This week was a challenge for me as I imagine it was for you too.
Struggling with Joy in a tough week
As the Artist who brings you Joy, I struggled with what to write about today. How to talk about how much I was struggling to find Joy this week and all the feelings and kind of negative internal self-talk I was trying to manage.
Because, to be honest, there were some really rough moments this week when--even with all I've learned about Joy--I found it really hard to get to it. And then I struggled with questions about feeling hypocritical for saying I'm all about Joy when I'm having trouble getting there myself.
So I went back to some of my writing to find some actions I could take to do something--anything--to bring a little more Joy in my days.
What I did to find joy
There were a few things that kept me going this week.
Painting Joy. I shifted my painting practice to first thing in the morning so I was starting my day with a cup of tea and paint brush in hand. I'm working on a new sky project that I'll be sharing more about and so thinking about the vastness of the sky and the softness of clouds at the start of each day was a real comfort.
Time with Mory the Studio Dog. Mory has such a good heart and sweet demeanor and his big goofy Golden Retriever smile with his purple Chow Chow tongue hanging out just made me giggle every time.
Took a break from some of my to do list items. I was rolling with daily posts here on Substack until I hit the wall. Rather than fight it, I just trusted that I needed a little break and that I would come back to it. It's not always easy to take a step back but it can be one of the most important things to do on a week like this.
Talking with friends was a comfort. We shared what we were experiencing and were there for each other in meaningful ways, large and small.
Going for walks at sunset. This practice fueled inspiration for my sky project and got me moving and seeing trees and neighborhoods and water--all of which rejuvenate me. Sunset happens at about 4:30pm here in Seattle, so the walks marked the end of the studio day as well.
Made a Chill playlist. I thought about what music makes me feel relaxed and happy and created a playlist. Right now, it's all Marion Hill and Fleetwood Mac, but I'll continue to add to it. I put it on when I need to feel a little lift, breathe a little deeper, and, well, chill.
Baked brownies. Nothing fancy, just broke open a Betty Crocker box of mix and 20 minutes later the delicious chocolatey treats were ready.
The light. Really appreciating the natural beauty around me and the spectacular Seattle sunsets we get to have on days like today.
It took a few days of these practices, but the Joy started to reemerge in small ways, and my resilience with it.
Joy is a practice
So I think in the end what I'm noticing is that Joy is a practice. It's something you turn to--it may take a while for it to come back, but if you keep up the practice, it does return. The point is to keep trying.
Sending you peace wherever you are. Be safe. Be well.
Sarah