In December of 2011 I began work on renovating a studio apartment in Burlington, Vermont.  It was a total mess.  I’ll be posting more photos of the before pictures as I come across them.  I’ve begun looking back at my projects to understand when I’m in my happiest state of mind.  I’ve identified that my HAPPY PLACE is when I’m very singularly focused on one project.  I’m at my best creatively (and emotionally) when I’m working on a deadline and toward a singular goal.

So, first my insight is when I’m fully engaged creatively—I’m happiest.

Then the realization of the tiny deaths I experience creatively when I’m not in the middle of a project.

Now the REFRAME. When I’m not in the middle of big projects, I can—plan, dream, sketch, research and remind myself of what it WILL feel like when I’m fully “in flow” again.  It’s happened many times before.  I’m planning on it happening again soon.

To renovate this apartment I worked alongside a contractor (Joe at Workhorse Construction) from December 2010 through March of 2011.  I learned so much in that short amount of time.  The very first thing I did was all the of the demo work (which might be my second favorite pastime).  Then I called GOT JUNK because I would’ve had to make many many trips down an elevator (this apartment is on the 5th floor with rubbish in wheelbarrows).  I felt so guilty about the guys doing the work that I offered to stay and help.  They assured me that wasn’t necessary.  I tipped them handsomely (it was the holidays and the tip made me feel much better about my lack of rubbish removal involvement).

What was your happiest time of your life?

What made it so?

How can you make some version of that time happen in your life now?

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Best,

Lisa