Tag Archives: understanding

sorrow & joy

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I’ve experienced deep sorrow this week with the loss of a friend due to a long, painful illness.  Through that process I’ve realized what a unique gift sorrow can be in understanding ourselves and our place in the world.  I know that my friend would’ve been very open to a discussion about this topic—she had an enormous capacity to explore the psychology of the soul.

definition of sorrow

noun sor·row \ˈsär-(ˌ)ō, ˈsȯr-\

  • a feeling of sadness or grief caused especially by the loss of someone or something

  • :  a cause of grief or sadness

definition of joy

noun \ˈjȯi\

  • : a feeling of great happiness

  • : a source or cause of great happiness : something or someone that gives joy to someone

quote lillibridge

Sorrow & Joy I believe exist in the same place in our hearts.  They just feel a helluva lot different.  I feel that both emotions need each other to be fully acknowledged, accepted and better understood.  Thank you for this, my friend.

sorrow and joy lillibridge boardwalk sandwich mass

 

 

 

 

Transformation is my jam.

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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