Monday, August 5, 2013

Becoming a Rational Minimalist!

When my life feels crazy full, I have to write everything all down in one place.


I did this last month, and created a video and blog post about how I worked through feeling like my life is "crazy full."


I found myself making a list again this month, in a very "doodly" format.

Obviously something's got to give -- I feel so busy that I'm not really feeling my life!  Maybe this is what summer is for -- thinking things through and getting ready for fall.


1. Blogging:  I'm going to limit posting to twice a week - usually on Mondays and Thursdays.  I am going to focus my "arting" on my Judaica and spiritual work, and my licensing commitments.  Stay tuned for work inspired by my recent trip to Israel, and step-outs and videos about different ways to use my stencils with Stencil Girl, and how I adapt my art for licensing!   Follow me by email or by Bloglovin to make sure you don't miss a post.


2.  Powering down:  The virtual world we live in has many miracles and making internet friends throughout the world has been a great joy.  I don't want to give any of that up!  But my face to face friendships and relationships have definitely suffered.  So I am making a commitment to logging out and powering down on a regular basis to nurture flesh and blood connections with the same enthusiasm I have been giving to my online ones.  I will also make a real effort to delineate my social media life between my personal life, and my Jessica Sporn Designs life. 


3.  Can Less be More?  Expanding into the world of mixed media has made me something of a hoarder.  (Surprise!!)  Anyone else save every scrap of paper and piece of corrugated cardboard?  Do you chase the latest product, only to end up with lots of unopened and unused "must haves" collecting dust on the shelves?  The ease of one click ordering on Amazon.com has definitely enabled me; this, too, needs readjustment! I just moved my studio, and I found so many things still in their packaging -- that months ago seemed absolutely necessary!  I have recycled a lot, and given away a lot, and am happy to be in a space that feels spacious -- not because it's bigger, which it is, but because it's organized and filled only with things I think I'll really use!

This is the area of supplies that is behind my art table.  We'll see how long it stays so neat!


So yes.  I am embarking on becoming a bit more minimalist.  I love having lots of reminders of my life around me, so minimalism will have a different meaning for me than it might for some people.  Here's a great site, that helps you find your minimalist style -- called becoming a "rational minimalist.


So what about you?  Do you ever feel like your life is spinning out of control?  How do you deal with it?  Hope you'll share.  Linking to my favorite Monday blog hops:  Make It Monday, Mandarin Orange Monday, Creative Every Day, Inspire Me Monday, and Be Inspired, and to the challenges at Journal Journeys (what summer is for),  and Mix it Monthly (flowers and red/violet/green colors),

Thank you for visiting.  Your comments make me so happy, and I will answer any questions as quickly as I can.
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24 comments:

  1. Love your post - it is so true. We get caught up in a never ending cycle og blogging, getting more and more stuff that we lose track of what is really important.
    Such a gorgeous journal page with so much meaning!

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  2. Thanks for sharing Jessica! I'm in the same boat...trying to balance it all!! Your post is very encouraging. I am thinking of starting a new online business. Just THINKING about it makes everything else "suffer" so I need to get organized time wise. ;) :) Thanks again!!

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  3. I can definitely relate to the whole must-have purchase thing! I am so guilty of that. I always intend to use the new thing lots and lots but time - it seems to slip away from me altogether.

    I would love to hear more about your licensing adventures - I'll have to keep checking in.

    Thanks for linking up!

    Sarah @ A Cat-Like Curiosity

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  4. Yup, yup, yup, yup, love the new studio looks...you are getting gloriously organized. Like those bitsy paint holder shelves, did you make those? xox

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  5. Fabulous artwotk and colors. Visited from MIM..Loz

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  6. Hello. I spotted your beautiful Art on MIM. Faye

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  7. Hey friend, I totally hear what you're saying! I've been reading up a lot on minimalism. There's some good blogs out there. I've been seriously paring down the stuff I have. Trying not to buy little trinkets for my daughter that end up notbeing played with. ..checking out books instead of buying them and so forth. I'm alsothithinking about all my obligations and trying to determine what is self imposed and what's really necessary and actually brings me joy.

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  8. Thank you dear Jessica for a view in your wonderful studio...wow it is very organized and feels promising :) I have hard times trying to get my place organized ;) Your piece is so beautiful and full of ideas and wishes and dreams...love it! ♥♥♥ Thank you so much for participate on Mix It Monthly

    xox
    Conny

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  9. Now it does sound like you ARE getting your ducks prioritized and in a row! This lady is juggling it all beautifully.i look forward to more judacia.

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  10. What a beautiful and thoughtful way to get your thoughts together and become happier with your life and less stressed.

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  11. lol my life spins out of control about 20 times a day with 3 young boys running around I don't stop spinning until i see their angelic faces calm in slumberland hehe. beautiful art btw

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  12. Very beautiful paintings! Especially I love the second one so much!

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  13. Jessica... I agree 100% with you, my friend. With my life status of moving and preparing since April, I have completely adjusted what I'm doing, what I'm buying and how much I'm blogging (well, hardly at all), but I have not bough a supply in over a year and guess what? It's ok. I have so much that I can use and if I run out, I will replace it. We get so caught up on Facebook, blogging, etc and sometimes I feel guilty if I don't, but we have to live for US.. no one else. Love your new outlook.

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  14. Balance is so critical! Love the new studio- so organized so ready for your creative talents! And processing feelings through art has once again lead you to an amazing piece of art!

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  15. I would love to be sharing a cup of coffee with you right now to discuss this very topic..lol!!! YOU ARE SO RIGHT!!! I too had to scale down in so many ways! Your page is gorgeous too!

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  16. I can SO relate to this post Jessica. EVERYTHING! :)

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  17. Yes I have been feeling like that a little lately too! What a wonderful way to express that feeling. You made some beautiful art.
    Thank you for sharing on Mandarin Orange Monday. Sorry I am so late...no internet connection all week :(

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  18. What a wonderful page and a great way to stand still and think, reassess what matters to you.
    xx Monique

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  19. Wow! Wow Wow!!!!! I keep saying wow! Love the colors.
    Sandy

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  20. WOW WOW WOW!!!!! Your Painting is soo wonderful,beautiful c
    olors and qoutes,love it to much.
    thank for sharing your beautiful creativity,its so inspired.

    Greetings Jeannette

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  21. A fantastic page, great colors and doodling. Love your writing.

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  22. First, love your post. Second, love BlogLovin' as it meant that even though I haven't been around yet this month, I've not missed a single post and am totally caught up. Third... yesssss on the balance. You GO girl! I'll be right behind you.

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  23. love the painting..my life is crazy full too which is why I like my quiet, calm, peaceful times.so hoping you find this too

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  24. I am so Sorry for this late reply to your entry for Journal Journey's I really though I had commented already!

    I really like both works I love the idea of putting lots of words on a page I really like the effect you have created. And you many armed lady is so colourful and full pf lovely details. Thank you for joining in with Journal Journey's Dxx

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