31 Days of Writing. 31 Days of Me.

Project 365, Day 31

You guys! I did it! I’m one-twelfth of the way through Project 365. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? I sort of can’t. Not to make a big deal out of this (kidding, I’m clearly doing just that), but the only thing I’ve ever done consecutively for 31 days is breathe, sleep and eat. I’ve got a very long road ahead of me, but knowing that I did the hardest thing already—starting—frankly, I’m pretty proud of myself.

I had an idea for the month of February. Something I think I want to try, but…don’t hold me accountable if I don’t, alright? I’m thinking of theming these upcoming four weeks. For instance, week 1 would be design week (I can tell you all about the sofas I’ve tested and which ones were the best, I can give you an update on my sofa, three years later if you’ve ever wondered about Interior Define as a brand, I can dig into my room design, etc.), week 2 would be short story week, week 3 could be all food (my literally-saves-every-recipe cooking secret weapon, the kale salad recipe that works with everything…) and so on and so forth…for another week.

While the posts I put out that I’m the most excited about are always an essay, it does feel like a bit of a weight to carry when I write something non-heady like…food bloggers to follow on Instagram. I know, I know…a lot of you are here to be here. That you for that. Just trying to work through the knots in my mind of what I’m writing. Being an editor for 16 years is hard to shake. Editorial calendars, themed weeks, content packages…ay, I’m twitching a bit thinking about it. However, it does make thinking a little bit forward easier. While I sort of love the spontaneity of just sitting down in front of my computer every day and just writing whatever comes out of my fingers, I’m not sure that’s a sustainable year-round endeavor. I mean…maybe it is. But I gotta try something else to see how that works (or doesn’t) for me.

I’m still deciding, because I do enjoy weekly gratitudes, 5 Quick Things Fridays, What to Cook Sundays, but…stay tuned.

To wrap this quick-ish post up, I want to share some of my favorite comments from the past month. Comments that literally kept me going these past 31 days. You all are so wonderful. Whether you see a comment here from you or not, know that I read EVERY single one, try to reply to each one, as well, and regularly read them allowed to Charles (poor Charles).

“Thank you for your vulnerability and trusting us with this very personal letter. I keep coming back for your writing. For moments like this. I love that this is more than a design blog.” – Suzanne, A Letter to My Future Children

“Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable. It takes a lot of courage, and I’m so grateful you are brave enough to do it. It’s an inspiration. Not in a, “now if you don’t do it consistently, it will be a disappointment”, but in a “wow. I am so grateful there are people like you to inspire others to be vulnerable and honest with themselves, with others”. Your blog is my first stop in the morning. Essays, paint colors, whatever it is — your voice and willingness to share ALL of it is a joy to read. I’ve commented maybe 3 times on other blogs before, but you draw me in and make me want to engage and overcome my introverted “no one really cares what I think on the interwebs” feelings, so thanks for making all of your readers feel seen and appreciated. You have a gift, and I’m so happy you’re sharing it with us every day.” – Mary Rachel, A Letter to My Future Children

“I’m filled with gratitude that you mentioned me by name… I love coming here daily and it fills me with JOY. I love my air fryer… I’ve had one for 4-5 years? I use it daily and my kitchen will always include one of these. I’m a RN so yes, advocating for yourself with your care providers is so important. YOU know YOUR body better than anyone else and you deserve them to listen to you.. REALLY listen. All too often I’ve heard stories (usually with the patient leaving the doctor with a prescription for anxiety meds) of being told there’s nothing wrong with them. If your healthcare provider says that then they aren’t a good fit for you. I’ve seen changes in medicine over the years and this isn’t as prevalent as it used to be. I used to tell people never be in the hospital without someone with you to advocate for you when you may be temporarily unable to do it yourself… ie: on pain meds and not thinking clearly. Covid has changed all this and I can’t imagine people being alone in a hospital bed. It truly breaks my heart. I know with the right people on your care team you will get through this and you’ll be stronger for it… promise. Sending HUGE HUGS your way today and every day.” – Emie, Tuesday Gratitudes

“Love this b/c the power of perception/perspective is real! this finally clicked a couple of years ago when i was leaving my dream island. i felt bummed but turned it around with exactly this. more here: https://tps-steph.blogspot.com/2019/06/0042-retirement-rules.html also helpful – slowing down / relishing the task con gusto. as you said it’s all about gratitude. more recently when the sadness of not seeing my family kicks in, I turn it around by reminding myself that i get to keep them safe. that i am lucky enough that they are safe, okay and not alone.” – Steph M., Old Gal, New Tricks: How to Hoodwink Your Own Brain for the Better

“Blown away by how much you are giving me exactly what I need to hear. You are making a difference.” – Jonel, Old Gal, New Tricks: How to Hoodwink Your Own Brain for the Better

“The timing of this post for me was perfect. It really resonated with me. Later in the day, I was approached to run for a national board position in an industry association that I am a member of. My immediate reaction was no. However, I asked for some time to consider it and “The time will pass anyways” came to mind. I realized that my reasons for saying no were really just excuses and I decided to say yes instead. Thank you for the posting. It was the push I needed to get out of my comfort zone. I may not win the election but I am putting myself out there.” – Jonel, The Time Will Pass Anyway

“CONGRATULATIONS ON DAY 21! Looks like you are mastering the art of self-discipline and have formed a new habit! You have earned a gold star! ✨ I feel fortunate to be a benefactor of your wonderful, witty and wise written words. I also enjoy collecting inspirational quips and quotes to have at the ready when a mood booster is needed. I find meaning in these: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” and “Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.” Wishing you a peaceful and restful day!” – Debbie, Busy Is Not Your Purpose

“Beautifully written! I absolutely love you and reading your writing every day. I am a former professional ballet dancer/teacher/choreographer/director and a few years ago (at 34) it became clear I was ready for a change in career. I wanted to be a nurse. I went back to school, graduated in December of 2020, passed my boards, and start my new job as an RN next week. It’s weird to start a new career at 37, but also AWESOME. Just wanted to encourage you to follow all of those curiosities and that while life is short.. it’s also long… there’s time for reinvention.” – Nissa, Oprah Does It Again

“Gah! So. Beautiful! K, so the short novel is titled, “Loving Lorena: a tale of friendship forever.” Mademe smile LOTS! I’ve had a hugely challenging day with a lot of tears (mine) and this loveliness helped me breathe it away. Thank you., xx” – Rusty, A Tale of Two Friends

“I’m very much struggling after this past week. I love that you wrote down all that you are grateful for – I think that would be so helpful for myself to do. We have so much to do but I do think finding respite and solace in people, pets, organizations, things, etc., we love is also important at this time to not go into the dark places in our minds.” – JoNae, Tuesday, Tuesday

“Thank you for this, Arlyn. Navigating this moment feels so tremendously complex, and grounding ourselves in the truths of our own lives while continuing to engage with the broader challenges we’re all facing is both critical and astoundingly difficult. I’ll note here, of course, that it’s only my privilege that makes this a relatively new sensation; most of the world, in fact, lives within this calculus. As I continue to learn, I appreciate the reminder to look at my life with gratitude. It’s the energizing force we all need to tackle these unsettled days. One practice I’ve started with friends is daily accountability for a single act of self-care. It can be drinking more water, going to bed early, finally setting up the humidifier I bought three months ago and haven’t yet plugged in, reading a book, or taking 10 minutes to walk outside alone….anything that feels like paying attention to your own needs, valuing them, and prioritizing them. It’s already helped me change some habits that were not adding to my well-being, and I’m grateful for that (although I still haven’t set up that damned humidifier. Tonight!!).” – Sam E., Tuesday, Tuesday

“Ha. You know, I have something similar that I do. Every night, when closing up shop in the living room, I tidy up the remotes, and put them on the tray that’s on my media console. And every day, when me or someone else goes to watch TV, they plop down, shuffle around for the remotes and realize they have to get back up to grab them from the table. I think I might start leaving them on the coffee table instead. Just a simple reach. Why do we do these things? Thank you for sharing this story. I know it seems like something small, but these are the types of things, the tid bits of life, that we can all mostly relate to in one way or another. The things that connect us as strangers. Such a treat. Can’t wait to come back tomorrow! Keep it up Arlyn.” – Leslie, Who Moved My Tea?

Oh, and if you’re wondering about the lead photo, I tried to take a photo of myself every day and save it into a special folder on my phone. I missed a few days, but I wanted to be able to look back and see the good days and the bad days and appreciate them both fully. Makeup, no makeup. Greasy hair, brushed hair. By the end of the year, I hope to have several hundred of these to put together in a video to appreciate the year that past. See what stories my face tells me.

See you tomorrow, friends.