Unplug, Reset, Embrace: A New Year’s Reflection on Creativity, Authenticity, and Intentional Living
Hello, dear readers! It truly feels like an eternity since my last post, and I’ve missed connecting with you all. How have you been? I hope your holiday break was filled with joy, relaxation, and perhaps a much-needed escape from the daily grind. As for me, I’m officially back after several rejuvenating weeks spent completely unplugged, dedicating quality time to Connor, my cherished family, and old friends. It’s been an incredible reset, and I’m eager to share my reflections as we step into a new year.
My faithful companion, Marley, and I successfully navigated the incredibly long and unbelievably freezing journey back home to Washington, D.C. Imagine -12 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the drive! Approximately 13 hours, countless shouts of ‘Marley, lie down!’ directed to the back seat, and six very large cups of coffee later, we arrived in one piece, thankfully. Connor, unfortunately, had to work on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day morning, but he managed to fly out for a precious 24-hour visit. At the last minute, seizing the opportunity of Connor’s scheduled January vacation, we made the spontaneous decision to extend our stay in D.C. This allowed us to spend even more time with both of our parents, a decision I am so incredibly grateful for. Those extra days were an unexpected gift, offering a deeper sense of connection and rest that truly nourished my soul.
Our days were beautifully simple yet deeply fulfilling. We filled them with invigorating walks and challenging hikes, impromptu cooking sessions that went undocumented (a true luxury for a food blogger!), bottomless mugs of steaming coffee, and the quiet ritual of reading the morning paper. Marley, in true canine fashion, thoroughly tested out every sofa in each of our parents’ homes, claiming them as his temporary kingdom. The most profound aspect of this break for me was the almost complete digital detox; I spent approximately 0.01% of my time online. It was, in a word, glorious. Stepping away from screens allowed for a profound sense of presence and a much-needed mental break.
Embracing Fresh Starts: The Power of Decluttering and New Year Energy
Somehow, despite my best intentions, New Year’s Day seems to creep up on me faster and faster each year, arriving before I even feel ready. Yet, like many of you, I find myself embracing a fresh burst of energy and renewed motivation with the start of a new calendar year. This isn’t just about my professional life; it permeates every aspect of my existence. This past week, I’ve been in full ‘spring cleaning’ mode, tackling tasks with a vigor that can only come from a fresh start. This included taking down all the holiday decorations, diligently sorting and recycling old papers, donating clothes I no longer wear, embarking on a satisfying mission to clean up my inbox, pairing down unused kitchen items, and finally tackling those small DIY projects that have been lingering on my to-do list. The process wasn’t just about physical order; it was about creating mental space and clarity for the year ahead.
It has been enormously satisfying, and dare I say, fun? For me, cleaning and organizing have always been profoundly meditative activities, even as a child. There’s something deeply calming about bringing order to chaos. This process invariably improves my mood, significantly boosts my overall productivity, and sharpens my ability to focus on what truly matters. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I highly recommend dedicating some time to decluttering your physical and digital spaces; the mental benefits are truly transformative.
Reflecting on a Year of Challenges and Growth
With that renewed clarity, I’ve been making a conscious and deliberate effort to reflect on the past year and thoughtfully consider the year ahead. Instead of glossing over the difficulties, I’m going to be extremely candid. This past year has been genuinely challenging for me, touching both my personal and professional spheres. It was challenging in both good and bad ways – a tumultuous mix of growth, struggle, and unexpected turns. It’s comforting to acknowledge that this sentiment resonates with many of us, and that’s perfectly okay. Life often presents us with seasons of immense growth intertwined with periods of significant strain.
Looking back, I rebranded this entire space (exactly one year ago), embarking on what I thought was a dream project, only to realize halfway through that it simply wasn’t the right fit for me. We adjusted to life with an adorable rescue dog, Marley, who, despite being the absolute best, came with a severe case of separation anxiety and countless ‘accidents galore.’ I adapted to Connor’s second year residency schedule, which was, to put it mildly, the worst. We collectively survived the emotionally taxing 2016 election, a period that needs no further explanation. Amidst these challenges, we also found moments for incredible travels, exploring destinations near and far, including the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska, the ethereal beauty of Iceland, the historic charm of England, and the familiar comfort of Michigan. Then, in November, came the unexpected and devastating loss of my grandmother, affectionately known as Grannybird. The suddenness of her passing left a profound void, a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. Navigating grief amidst other challenges was undoubtedly one of the hardest parts of the year.
Truthfully, I took on a bit more than I could chew, and as a direct result, I experienced a severe case of culinary and creative burnout. Instead of genuinely enjoying so many aspects of this job that I actually deeply love – the artistic process of food photography, the meticulous crafting of new recipes, the joy of writing and sharing stories – I found myself falling into a pattern of over-analysis and, ultimately, dread. The very things that once ignited my passion began to feel like burdensome obligations.
Breaking Free from Perfectionism and Self-Doubt
I allowed the perceived perfection and success of others to stifle my own creative voice and progress. Instead of hitting publish on that spontaneous, heartfelt post (out of fear of judgment), starting that exciting new project (convinced it wasn’t original enough), sharing a personal anecdote (thinking people only wanted recipes), talking about life in Chicago (believing it wasn’t relevant to anyone), sharing that overly-ambitious recipe (fearing it wasn’t Pinterest-friendly) or even that ridiculously simple recipe (convinced someone had probably already done it better), I let my inner perfectionist take complete control. This paralyzing self-doubt led to inaction, and I did none of those things. Does that make sense? Umm, no. Not at all. It’s a toxic cycle that many creatives fall into, and it robs us of our unique contributions.
As one of my favorite books, Elizabeth Gilbert’s *Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear*, so eloquently declares:
“Recognizing that people’s reactions don’t belong to you is the only sane way to create. If people enjoy what you’ve created, terrific. If people ignore what you’ve created, too bad. If people misunderstand what you’ve created, don’t sweat it. And what if people absolutely hate what you’ve created? What if people attack you with savage vitriol, and insult your intelligence, and malign your motives, and drag your good name through the mud? Just smile sweetly and suggest – as politely as you possibly can – that they go make their own fucking art. Then stubbornly continue making yours.” – Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
You know what happens when you over-analyze everything? It becomes harder and harder to accomplish anything meaningful, and it creates a significant barrier to jumping back into, well, everything. This relentless self-scrutiny not only kills creativity and spontaneity but also extinguishes joy. It is, moreover, utterly exhausting. Really, truly exhausting. To put it quite simply, I’m over it. I’m done allowing fear and perfectionism to dictate my creative output and my approach to life.
My Guiding Intention for 2017: Embrace
So, instead of simply sharing a list of specific resolutions this year, which often feel like rigid demands, I’ve decided to focus on one overarching theme and intention that will guide my actions and perspective: Embrace. It is my deepest intention to make 2017 the year that I wholeheartedly embrace a multitude of vital aspects:
- Embrace imperfection: To accept that ‘done’ is often better than ‘perfect,’ to find beauty in flaws, and to allow for realness over an unattainable ideal.
- Embrace authenticity: To be truly myself in this space and in my life, sharing genuine experiences, thoughts, and passions, rather than conforming to what I think others expect or what trends dictate.
- Embrace vulnerability: To open up, share more personal stories, and connect on a deeper level, even when it feels a little scary or exposed.
- Embrace uncertainty: To let go of the need for a perfectly mapped-out plan, to be open to change, unexpected detours, and the organic flow of life.
- Embrace mindfulness: To be present in each moment, to savor experiences, to slow down, and to quiet the incessant noise of overthinking.
- Embrace new passions: To allow myself space for exploration, learning, and growth, stepping outside my comfort zone to discover new interests.
- Embrace the fear of being ‘unoriginal’: In an increasingly saturated internet world, to dare to be uniquely me, to trust my own voice, and to create without the burden of comparison.
- Embrace creativity for creativity’s sake: To shift my focus from outcomes (likes, shares, external validation) back to the pure joy, process, and therapeutic nature of creation itself.
My goal is to stop overthinking and start doing. To forge my own path with confidence and conviction, instead of begrudgingly following the perceived paths of others. This journey of embracing will begin right here, within this space, and I fervently hope it will extend well beyond, permeating every corner of my life. It’s about a fundamental shift in mindset, a commitment to living more fully and creatively.
Cheers to new beginnings, authentic living, and the courage to embrace it all! And as always, thank you for being here, for your continued support and readership. It truly means the world to me. xoxo