January? Cute and CRAZY. Let's Recap.
notes, lists, and observations on creative living
Okay so January was kind of insane in the best and worst ways possible (literally). I wrote a lot of notes to myself at 2am. I had approximately seventeen creative breakthroughs while making coffee. I also had that thing happen where you sit down to create and your brain just goes completely offline and you’re like “hello?? anyone home??”.
The latter happened more than I’d personally like to admit.
However, the collective energy has been BUZZING and if you’re a creative person trying to make things while the world is doing whatever this is, you probably feel it too. Overstimulated and understimulated at the same time (have you read my latest?). I’ve felt like I’m constantly stuck in a space of too much input, not enough output, or too much output and then suddenly nothing.
But, looking back, that’s not the case at all. It’s just how my nervous system feels given all of the *gestures vaguely* this of it all. I was actually very creatively inspired and in-tune this month, and I’d like to share a little bit of that with all of you today.
So, I’ve collected observations and reminders from all of my work this month—the stuff I post on Instagram at midnight, the thoughts that keep me going, my semi-manic subtack notes, the tiny breakthroughs—and I’m putting them here in one place for you.
JANUARY IN NOTES
observations on staying creative when everything feels impossible
Showing up builds trust with yourself. The most important part of creative work isn’t making masterpieces every single time. It’s proving to yourself that you’ll keep showing up even when it’s just for one word or one sketch or one half-baked idea in the dark.
Your creative energy will fluctuate with the seasons and that’s NORMAL. Fighting it just makes you tired. Work with yourself, not against yourself. Rest when you need to rest.
Comparison to someone else’s middle is unfair to your beginning. They didn’t start where they are now. They started exactly where you are. The difference is they kept going anyway and let time do its work.
Your brain connecting random things into meaning is literally your superpower. Stop apologizing for the tangents. That’s where the good stuff lives. Trust those instincts—they’re leading you somewhere.
Start celebrating effort not just results. The practice is the point. Showing up consistently matters more than any single perfect outcome. Suddenly everything will feel more sustainable because you’re not betting everything on one moment of brilliance.
BUT FIRST… a quick acknowledgement.
I sincerely hope you’ve found a way to donate, be physically present, or provide some kind of hope or aid to someone in need this month. When we lead with kindness, smile at a stranger, donate what we can, show up to local spaces to advocate for our beliefs, and speak out about what we hold close to our heart, we make great and deeply needed change in the world. Here are a couple of my thoughts. If you’d like to learn more about one of the causes I’m donating to this month you can read my latest essay.
WHAT I READ & LISTENED TO
books that made me think + accounts worth your time
BOOKS I FINISHED:
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (reread)
If you know me you know I LOVE a comfort reread. Given the hype around the movie adaptation I picked this one up again. It never gets less wild and never disappoints.
The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
A potentially niche read, but I’m in the process of convertin to catholicism so it only makes sense. Letters from a 17th century monk who maintains that God is present everywhere, at all times. It, regardless of religious belief, is a wonderful book to help you see the whimsy in ordinary moments.
LISTENS I RECOMMEND:
“What Do Tear Gas and ICE Raids Do to People?” from Science Vs - Breaking down the actual science of what’s happening in Minneapolis right now—gives you data to process the chaos instead of just drowning in it.
“What is Healthy Dependency in a Relationship and How Do We Achieve It?” from Girls Gotta Eat - Nedra Glover Tawwab on attachment styles and how to show up in relationships without losing yourself—basically required listening.
“Getting Older & Hotter with Cobie Smulders” from Boy Problems - Cobie Smulders on long-term relationships, horoscopes, and timeless mom advice—the kind of conversation that reminds you what actually matters.
CREATIVE REMINDERS & QUESTIONS
things to return to when you forget + prompts to sit with
What creative habit are you building that actually feels sustainable? Your unique brain and soul and personality and quirks are THE only thing you have that nobody else does. Use them. Do not be ashamed of them.
Where are you comparing yourself to someone else’s middle instead of honoring your beginning? Struggling right now doesn’t mean you’re failing. You’re building something even when you can’t see it yet.
What makes you feel creatively alive (not just productive)? Only do it if you’ll do it without lacking sincerity. Your work has to mean something to you first.
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