One Thing (Almost Always) Leads to Another
n°6: Ramblings on presence and purposeful connections
Today, mesdames et messieurs, I have prepared for you a plate of empty consciousness topped with shaved possibilities and thought crumbles. Please enjoy some complimentary warm idea buns, freshly half-baked from the oven. Oh, and the soup du jour is minestrone. 🍲
Dear Studiomates,
I’m in a bit of a mood. A good kind. The kind of mood that whirls and swirls freely, with no concerns or fears. I’m basking in this space at the moment, with no agenda, only to write to you and connect right where we are. Is this… Presence?
Have you ever felt like things were meant for you? Over the past few months, I’ve been paying closer attention to life occurrences and watching to see if they lead to something significant. Recent encounters with new and old and new-old friends. Seemingly random impulses and actions I take. Internet stumble-upons. Saying ”yes” to trying new things when it feels right to step out of my comfort zone. No plans, no hopes, just curiosity for a good vibe.
I’ve learned that one thing (almost always) leads to another. In 2022 alone:
I caught up with an ex-coworker, who introduced me to someone in a role that I was interested in, who then invited me to a boot camp, which was incredible and has since branched into a new career trajectory for me.
In that same boot camp, I bumped into a past colleague, and we reconnected after it was over. We’re now closely collaborating on a new project that both leverages my skillset and intellectually stimulates my brain.
I responded to an open call for a magazine layout designer by a Human Design expert that I admire, and after iterating on the original proposal, I may consult in some capacity. Further, it awakened my sleeping visual design dragon.
I reposted about a brand that I admire and a friend responded to my fangirling with a similar sentiment. We’re now exploring a collaboration inspired by the said brand, realizing a very specific and longtime dream of mine. I’ll continue to watch it unfold and will keep you posted.
I clicked on an Instagram profile which led me to an amazing weaving artist and I was able to procure a stunning piece she just launched, supporting a talented artist and bringing a joyful aesthetic into my home (OK OK, and scratching a little shopping itch).
My point is that these connections are not meaningless. I’m following a thread, an instinct, a spark. I follow it as it lights another spark, and then another, and then another.
“PSHFFT”, you say. Sure, I have the cynic in me, too. But if these connections are indeed random and futile, then be open to the possibility of purpose. Let them become something meaningful. Use the power of mindset to transform chaos into clarity.
And IF these connections are indeed meant for me, appearing right in the exact order and in the exact moment I need them, I’ll allow it.
I surrender with ease. And with attention.
I would not have encountered all of these sparks if I were blindly numbing out on the couch. I have to choose to participate. At the bare minimum, I have to be open to possibilities.
It’s much easier to see in hindsight, of course. I wonder if I can recognize it as it’s happening…
How will I know when something of significance appears in my life? Is it a feeling? Which feeling? Joy? Desire? Curiosity? Is it a state of mind, like a sense of possibility? Wonder? Hope? Awareness? Or is it more of an action, like taking a risk, participating, or simply getting off the couch?
I’m curious, what’s the last thing that felt like it was meant for you? As if it were made for you? Comment below and describe how it felt in the moment. Did you know its significance at the time?
I asked the same question to our wildly talented Studio Visitor, Sophia DeJesus-Sabella. See what she said below (and be sure to check out her wood and psychedelic weavings!):
Some things I’ve found inspiring lately in the form of headlines crafted by yours truly:
👩🏻🎨 New Takes On Traditional Forms And It Works (thank you for being my “Studio Visitor”, today, Sophie!)
I’ve been wanting to deliver a short newsletter for a while now, after experimenting with long-form essays, guest interviews, transcribed podcasts, and even open threads. I could look at analytics and see what’s getting reads and downloads but... just talk to me! Comment or “♡” below to tell me what you enjoy most about these conversations, and give me something to respond to for next time.
‘Til next time, Studiomates.
In light,
Milan
Speaking of one thing leading to the next… check out this post on following threads backwards: