Brain dump on inspiration & sameness: nothing new to see here
& *mostly free* little luxuries that enhance my day-to-day
First matter of business: thoughts on inspiration & sameness
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this substack I read late last week:
Who is in charge here? Why do I feel like all of my ideas aren’t mine? Most importantly, how can I remove myself from this circus?
I desperately want to break out of the bubble of sameness we see on social media. I want to tune out the noise. I want to find my spark and creativity again. I am so bored. But still, I find myself holding on in… fear (?)
I work in digital marketing. And I love it! Every day I feel so lucky to have a creative job. But there is so much pressure to stay on top of trends and ‘follow the leader’.
In a notes conversation with the creative and inspiring Viktoriia of Vik’s Busy Corner about this dilemma, she responded with:
“the main realization I made is that loooots of people know how to keep up with stuff they see on TikTok, so digging into books, going to exhibits, getting coffee with real people, making IRL observations is what will set you apart!”
I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. I feel so inspired by the reality that I am not “keeping up” by participating in the hamster wheel of social media trends, I am setting myself back by copying everyone else.
Although I am talking about this specifically within the context of my career, I feel the same pressure within my wardrobe, my home, my lifestyle, etc. It is relevant in all areas.
This read from Emily North discussing alternatives to mainstream sources of inspiration was fab:
Something she touches on that I have been wanting to talk about is subscribing to physical magazines! I have been an AD subscriber since 2022 and love the monthly happy mail. This morning I mysteriously awoke earlier than usual and used those 2 luxurious extra hours before work to flip through a few old issues and cut out what was speaking to me. Collage is one of my favorite art forms.
I bought a collection of these vintage fashion magazine pages off of Etsy and am beside myself waiting for them to come. At $8.95 I’m categorizing this one as a cheap thrill, and worthy in the pursuit of inspiration.
These are a handful of ‘little luxuries’ as I like to call them that have been enhancing my day-to-day, and making me feel inspired too!
The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton. A historical mystery/thriller that I could not put down. It has a slow burn start to increase your buy-in, followed by unpredictable yet believable plot twists, and then Kate ties all the loose ends into a beautiful bow to leave you fully satisfied at the end. 5 stars from me.
Background music
For writing
For cooking dinner
For my morning commute
For peacefulness
Phone-free walks. One day I had the realization after a 30-minute walk with my dog that I hadn’t looked up once. I think it’s ok to spend some walks catching up on social media, reading Substack, or online shopping- I’m still outside getting fresh air and moving. But I’ve been putting effort into leaving my phone at home and just observing people, enjoying the weather, noticing details about the houses I like, and sifting through my thoughts. The fact that it takes effort to do this is concerning.
Along the same lines… I love charging my phone in my kitchen at night. Keeping phones out of the bedroom is probably great for everyone to do, but I particularly notice the positive impact it has on my marriage.
Having an elaborate night routine. My old routine was to drift off on the couch to a TV show I didn’t care about, and later drag myself upstairs to brush my teeth and fall into bed. Life has only improved since I stopped being lazy at night. Dry brushing before I shower feels like a little treat at the end of my day, same with putting body lotion on, wearing matching pajamas, sipping on a cup of tea, and taking care* of my skin- *aka picking at blemishes until they turn to wounds.
Using my ‘special’ items every day. I used to rarely use my nice items for fear of using them up. One day, I consciously flipped a switch and decided that if I already paid for something, I should use it to the fullest. Now, I…
Burn candles as part of my evening rituals
Sprinkle Maldon flake salt liberally
Wear fine jewelry daily
Do a face mask whenever it crosses my mind
Lather in luxe lotion- if it runs out it runs out
Spritz on the fancy perfume
Thank you for reading this brain dump! I remember when I started writing here (not long ago) it was truly for me to sort out my thoughts and document. I don’t want to lose that, as I think it is authenticity we all crave more of. Also I love getting glimpses into other people’s brains- mine is clearly scattered!
xx, elle
Might I also add just browsing in a vintage shop to the list of analog + inspiring small moments ... I also just wrote about this. Definitely one of life's free and small pleasures! 😊
Enjoyed this brain dump of yours, Elle! My first born helped me get off my phone. I never wanted her seeing me scroll away, so I always made it a point to not have it around her. Now, I could put it away for hours and not even think about it. It’s freeing, really!