So I have been conspiring with some young creatives on two editorials that will absolutely take me far from the comfort zone, yet I hope still be me/not me. I have also been in conversation with you my readers about the potential evolution from blog to magazine. I am deliriously excited about all of these things. However in the meantime I have to keep putting out content when I do not feel particularly motivated. I am motivated to do something new, not so motivated to keep doing the same thing, if you know what I mean. I have a good case of the in-betweens.
The in-betweens are good and not so good. They are good if you can hold on and keep doing what you need to until you get to the other side. The state of not knowing usually can produce some spectacular stuff if you can hang with it long enough. Not so good when you feel stale, empty and boring and almost don’t do what you have committed to. Like when you try to see your way through and there is a solid door in-between where you are and where you want to go. It is like being hungry all the time without satisfaction no matter what you eat (which I am right now).
The in-betweens are also good because it is a time you can give yourself permission to immerse yourself in new learning; participating in events that engage all of your senses. Find novel things to do that will stimulate you without having an agenda or identified outcomes. To just fill yourself up with experiences that combine haphazardly with your DNA, your memory, your unconscious and your physiology causing you to become aware of what the English and Cultural Studies professor and psychoanalyst, Christopher Bollas, calls your “unthought knowns”. I love that phrase. It means that we are full of ideas that have been conveyed to us throughout life through action, rather than thinking and are part of our unconscious, but are fabulous ideas nonetheless if we find out how to retrieve them. In the same work, Being a Character, Bollas suggests we all have an idiom for our own life and self and that healthy adults continue to develop it uniquely by always looking out for objects of interest to transact with. He calls these objects, “evocatively nourishing”. Is that phrase not just delicious?
So I have a list of exhibits to attend, like the one at MOMA on Japanese architects and their individual approach but collective vision of Japanese culture and one on Uniforms at FIT. I have some great books to read, like, The Future of Fashion is Now, Contagion and The Essentials of Fabulous. I discovered a series of French films shown for free in various parks to be viewed on blankets with picnic dinners. Some greenmarkets to visit for fresh produce and flowers and of course a trip or two. So perhaps my choice of an apron to wear this weekend was just a manifestation of one of my “unthought knowns” and my hunger will wane when I treat myself to some “evocative nourishment”. I hope dark chocolate is part of it too.
What are some other suggestions that may “evocatively nourish” this summer?
although scary, the in-betweens sounds like the perfect motivator and I can’t wait to see what work comes from this phase in your life
secret-hipster.blogspot.com/
Oh yes nothing like a little distress to get ones butt in gear!
The "in-betweens" really resonate for me right now. I love my late career change of course and I love being back acting however it is still easier for me to get paid to do my "old" work as freelance days and some of my acting jobs are less than inspiring! My solution when it overwhelms me is usually to ignore my self and plough on as the inspiration will usually float back up, I really like the idea of unthought knowns! I’m just getting to the point where one of these phases doesn’t knock my confidence and to use a cycling metaphor I can still ride my bike without getting too wobbly or rushing to reattach the stabilisers.
Now that is a great metaphor…not having to reattach the stabilizers. So nice to have you company during the wobbling.
I will take a look, thanks.
The "in-betweens" really resonate for me right now. I love my late career change of course and I love being back acting however it is still easier for me to get paid to do my "old" work as freelance days and some of my acting jobs are less than inspiring! My solution when it overwhelms me is usually to ignore my self and plough on as the inspiration will usually float back up, I really like the idea of unthought knowns! I’m just getting to the point where one of these phases doesn’t knock my confidence and to use a cycling metaphor I can still ride my bike without getting too wobbly or rushing to reattach the stabilisers.
Now that is a great metaphor…not having to reattach the stabilizers. So nice to have you company during the wobbling.
Try Project 333. It’s an interesting challenge that might resonate with you.
http://bemorewithless.com/project-333/
Diane
I will take a look, thanks.
Love this suggestion. For me that would be lots of color and crazy prints. I will be on the look out!
"Evocatively nourishing" could be wearing something opposite to your style. Challenge yourself to dress from a different point of view and take pictures of it from the dressing room.
That apron. Love it. Something about dots that wakes up the brain.
Love this suggestion. For me that would be lots of color and crazy prints. I will be on the look out!
I think the photo has a bit of a Japanese feel, the dots on the door are a very minimalist embellishment.
I like how your polka dots on the apron are replicated in the door design.
I think the photo has a bit of a Japanese feel, the dots on the door are a very minimalist embellishment.
You and your courageous openness are so inspiring! Please keep unlatching those doors.
As long as all of you keep coming with me!
This is a wonderful group to vet new ideas with. Feel free to pitch some and be prepared for brilliant feedback.
You and your courageous openness are so inspiring! Please keep unlatching those doors.
As long as all of you keep coming with me!
I realize after reading your post that this is also the state I am in. Only you are going from one successful undertaking to what I predict will also be exciting and well received. I am moving from what has not been as well read as I’d hoped to trying to figure out what needs to change. I look forward to seeing your new creation.
This is a wonderful group to vet new ideas with. Feel free to pitch some and be prepared for brilliant feedback.
It’s challenging for sure to take on a long term endeavor and do it consistently. I admire all of us who do.
Lyn, this entire post is just delicious. I have been in the in-betweens for months now, but I’m finally climbing out. I too love working with what you call "young creatives." They give me the energy to move and think in new ways. And yes! to farmer’s markets.
It’s challenging for sure to take on a long term endeavor and do it consistently. I admire all of us who do.
See you probably had an I thought know that got activated!
Madly Googling Christopher Bollas and polka dot fabric…..
See you probably had an I thought know that got activated!
Should I be afraid? It is going to be a big transformation? If your words are just a glimpse, I wonder what is behind that door!
No need for fear, maybe just some interesting surprises. I am in the dark about outcome myself right now.
Should I be afraid? It is going to be a big transformation? If your words are just a glimpse, I wonder what is behind that door!
No need for fear, maybe just some interesting surprises. I am in the dark about outcome myself right now.