My sister once told me to make sure I smile during interviews, even if they’re not on camera. You can hear a smile in a voice, she said, even if you can’t see it. And you know, I think the same is true of writing.
I had a different draft of this post written before the weekend. And when I reread it, instead of hearing a smile, I could hear a frown. The sense of exhaustion was palpable. Whatever battle with inertia or gloom or being hungry at 4:00 pm that I was facing when I wrote it, you could read about it between the lines.
And as much as those feelings were true in that moment, I decided to tackle the post again. This time, with a smile.
Faye’s asleep. A new week’s not yet begun. I’m wearing raw honey smeared on my face which makes me look part shiny superhero and part gooey monster. The apartment’s about a million degrees because we’re on a Sunday night sourdough pizza kick and our steam radiator is still working overtime, bless her little heart. I’ve got a list of things to do tomorrow that’s about a mile long, and thank goodness. Nothing beats inertia like a good sprint in the opposite direction.
My point is: I got this. You do too.
Let’s forge ahead this week and tackle things one at a time. Let’s distinguish sense from nonsense. Let’s remember that even if we’re having a shit week, we’re not shit. That’s as simple as I can say it.
Sorry for swearing. Twice.
PS. First installed on a wall in Zurich in 1991, this mural from artists Peter Fischli and David Weiss is currently being exhibited on the corner of Houston and Mott Streets in Manhattan. It’s a nice to thing to stumble upon and an even nicer thing to return to. To learn more about the work, visit the Public Art Fund.
27 Comments
I LOVE the phrase/advice: distinguish sense from nonsense. I’m making it my mantra of the week!
Aimee
http://www.intherightplaces.com
I totally needed a message like this on a Monday morning – thanks, Erin! I’m due with my first baby in two weeks (!) and am finding it very difficult to focus during these last few days at the office. I may have to print this photo and slap it on my monitor!
So glad! (I did the same thing!)
Thank you so much for this, I teared up!
Exactly what I needed to read this morning… thank you! Have a fabulous week! 🙂
I really enjoyed (and needed) this post. I passed by this art installation on Sunday and thought I should save a picture of it so I could refer back as needed. And here you are, reading my mind and saving the day. Thank you for keeping this space on the internet so honest and inspiring.
“Do one thing at a time.” Sounds simple but it’s advice I never ever take. May have to print this out for myself as well! Thank you!
This was such a pleasure to read. Thank you for being vulnerable and honest.
When I first saw the installment in SoHo, I thought it was very cool. I didn’t know the history behind it. Thank you for sharing that.
http://www.SarahJaiheLee.com
‘Even if we’re having a shit week, we’re not shit’. Yes! Thank you! Nothing like a good cuss word to get me motivated
Thank you – I needed this. It’s been a shit week. It’s been making me feel like changing something in my life – nothing quite like having a baby in the hospital (thankfully on the mend) to make you reevaluate things.
Thank you for sharing this encouragement. It is so what I needed today! February can be hard!
Oh such good advice! I think that may become a new mantra for me: “Just because you’re having a shit day, doesn’t mean you are shit.” Such good advice!
Thank you for putting a positive spin on what has been the “Mondayest” of Mondays for me. A welcome reminder to just breath and take it one step at a time.
Love this. Thanks.
“Even if we’re having a shit week, we’re not shit.” Made me smile and cry at the same time.
Thank you for this! Have a great week!
Inspiring and true. It’s also good to have a little time to complain – just a little. I like this 🙂 All for saying things with a smile.
Jess
I struggle with separating my actions/performance from my self-worth. Admitted perfectionist over here. I’m going to be repeating “i’m not shit” a lot, haha!
Thank you for this Erin. This week is another in an ongoing and seemingly endless march of shit weeks. I needed this. Amen x
This is great, Erin. Thank you! Definitely turned my Monday in a new direction.
oof, it’s only tuesday and i’m already analyzing whether this is a “shit week” or not! one day at a time, do the smaller tasks that make you feel accomplished first, gather momentum like a snowball. phew!
thank u for this post. I love that mural!!
Poetic (and beautiful) truths. Thank you, and also for the story of the piece.
Hi Erin!
I love this advice! Thank you. One thing at a time is so simple, but sometimes so hard. The mural, and the work by the Public Art Fund in general is beautiful.
Meg
Oh, what a nice thing to stumble upon on your blog today. I needed this. I read another section of your book last night. The section on too much clutter in the bathroom. I made the mistake of subscribing to a sample box once a month for two years. Yeah, drowning in samples at the moment. I do use “some,” but overall, it’s too much. I am not sure what to do as of yet, but birthdays, graduations, maybe Christmas could help sort them out.
Wonderful post! thanks a lot for your wisdom and beautiful pictures!
Thank you for this post! I needed it and felt like a friendly pep talk.
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