I believe I am too young to commit to just one personal design style, forever, at this time. I am still dating different styles, experimenting, exploring, learning… When I’m older (maybe in a day or a week or 10 years) and ready, the right style will show itself when I least expect it. And it won’t be perfect, but it will be perfect for me… I believe this to be the organic and most fulfilling way to go about things.
*Note: This post was previously entitled “Jillian Loves Metaphors”, but was later changed when I realized it wasn’t so catchy.
This time of year always brings a reflective quality with it. Many underestimate the importance of this, or deem it “mushy”, and brush it off as they rush through the holidays and into a new year. These same people probably hit January 1st every year wondering why they feel the exact same as the year before. Why they haven’t lost weight or gotten that better, shinier job they always wanted. Why they STILL haven’t been to Europe or reconnected with an estranged friend or family member. These people remain on the same linear path of dissatisfaction from year to year, and they wonder why.
This holiday, I feel worlds different from the last. I celebrated my 1 year anniversary at my first full-time job. I became a yogi. I could not have imagined I would have not only met so many fantastic people, but also laid foundation for so many friendships that are just begging for years to build on top of them. I have grown spiritually, mentally, physically (2 tickets to the gun show?), and professionally, and I know it’s only the beginning.
It’s easy to feel “lucky”. I come home from a fun night at a show, or a dinner after a Cooper Type lecture, or as I’m walking home by myself the long way across the island of Manhattan, and I start to count blessings…and then I stop myself. Because I remember that, despite any religious or spiritual beliefs, I did this. I worked hard to get where I am, and I made choices for myself that lead me to the people and experiences that give me so much happiness and challenge and educate me on a daily basis. I planted seeds, and they grew!
I didn’t realize it as I graduated with a subpar design education, or had to work at a Jewish deli in the suburbs for a year, or when I moved up to the city with no job and not much money and wanted to give up and move home 12 times. I didn’t realize I was planting seeds then. I didn’t realize when I bought my Groupon for Yogamaya on 20th Street just for cheap kicks and decided to use those classes instead of going to the neighborhood bar at night, that I was planting the seeds of positivity to start a domino effect. You don’t realize when you’re doing it, because if you did, it wouldn’t be an act of sincerity…but you are.
In yoga, we’re taught to take inventory. Life moves so quickly, we often underestimate the power of such an act. We are also taught that when something becomes difficult, to just breathe into it. Breathing being yet another underestimated power. This holiday, I encourage everyone and anyone to do both of those things. Take a minute to see where you’re at and where you’d like to be. Make a list. Make goals. I encourage you to start your own positive domino effect. Feel your own power and put in the work. I hate to sound like a fortune cookie, but we all know it’s never easy. It’s often actually quite hard. But the trick is finding the sweetness in the hardship, breathing into the spot a little more, and reacting with a choice that comes from a place of positivity.
Despite knowing I worked for all of the happiness that I have, I still give thanks and count blessings. This year has been full of more gifts that I could have ever hoped for, and I couldn’t be more grateful - but I know so much of it came from the push of a single domino…the planting of a single seed on different days…and if I share one thing from this year to pay forward, I would encourage you to start your own positive chain reaction. Next year, let’s count all the dominos we’ve knocked down and all the trees we’ve grown.
Happy Holidays & a sweet New Year!
Love, Jillian
True.
(Source: staticfluxx, via followyurbliss)
To Chick-Fil-A, Truett Cathy, and the WinShape Foundation:
It is with a heavy heart that I write to you saying that I can no longer, in good conscience, patronize your establishment. Nor can I partake of your delicious, succulent, juicy chicken.
I mean, I would like to. Oh trust me, I would!…
If you're going to be wrong, be wrong with conviction.
