Motivational Speaker

Well it’s the end of 2024 and whew, what a ride. I will not sugarcoat it, this year was challenging for me and a lot of my loved ones too. As a reflective person, there is a tendency (and one might argue cultural pressure) to use these final calendar days to recall and compile all of the year’s lessons and joys into a tidy little package with a bow that can then be stowed away for safe keeping. And then start over brand spanking new in 2025. (Which, btw, how is it already 2025?! Seriously.) While our news feeds are full of “best of” and “top 10” lists and our inboxes offer up every variety of New Year’s challenges, I am trying my best to ignore all of the noise and just take it nice and slow for a little while. I do not want to rush and finish the year strong or start the new year with a bang. A pop from a champagne cork is okay, though…

Although I just said a few sentences ago that I wasn’t going to get all deep and reflective here, one thing 2024 taught me in abundance is just how important the small comforts and joys are. A good cup of coffee, a warm pair of socks, a fun phone date with a friend, a really cool cloud formation or a cute handmade purse all make a difference. So I will continue to embrace this practice not as a goal, but as a way to live. Which aligns completely with how I am approaching my sewing practice too. Although the end product of the sewing work is special, what counts is the process of creation from start to finish. 

I recently saw someone post on social media that she was enjoying some “selfish sewing” meaning, making things for herself. I gasped and thought, “Oh no girl, you too deserve nice things!”. However, I did not share my concern because that is not how I interact in that space. This maker was simply expressing her belief and I don’t need to judge her or point out that I take issue with her self-expression. Nope, I think we can all be a bit nicer and just let people be. But it did take me aback that there is a pervasive guilt around making things that are not gifts or for sale. Sewing is a form of self care always, regardless of the recipient, or whether it is for charity or for profit. So if I were a motivational speaker, my sole mantra would be “just keep making.” No trademark.

A lot of music comes into my life when I need it most. Take Alvin Youngblood Hart. For years I admired a song here, a song there (RIP the Problem Child) but never got around to really diving in. And then one day when all of the little life blahs joined forces to make me epically cranky, I turned on an episode of PBS’ Caverns Sessions featuring Alvin and his band Muscle Theory as a temporary distraction. And just like that, my mood lifted. I followed that up with other live shows and had myself a proper streaming binge. There is no other way to describe his superpower except that he literally rocks. My new favorite album is Motivational Speaker and I’m thankful to have yet another record with healing properties in my collection.

Thank you all for being here and supporting my words and craft. My wish is that your New Year’s celebration is exactly what you want it to be. May your 2025 (again, seriously?!) be full of laughter, good tunes, cozy blankets and peace.