You’re My Obsession: Good News and Painted Shoes

In 2011 I started a weekly column called You’re My Obsession that was filled with all kinds of things that caught my attention or inspired me during the previous week. Eventually I ran it less and less often, then it finally died out. I want to revive it again, maybe not weekly, but I definitely want to start sharing some of the gazillion things that I’m inspired by every day.

This time it’s different because I also want this column to be a place to share slices of life and people that inspire me, not (necessarily) because of a particular creative idea, but because of how they treat other people or something that they’re doing or have done to make this world a better place to live. Now that we’re constantly bombarded with news and “news,” we witness so many reports of horrible things going on in our world. While it’s important to stay informed and do whatever is in our power to help, it’s also important to celebrate the wonderful humans that we share this planet with and how grateful we are for the things that they do.

It’s so important to celebrate the victories of human spirit – now more than ever.

So let’s get started!

Charles Morrison

After the recent Paris attacks I wrote a letter to my local pen pal, Charles Morrison. In it I asked him how he’s learned to process horrible events like these. What can you do when you feel helpless?

When he wrote me back, he mentioned things like contributing time and money to organizations that matter to him, but he said that most of all it was important for him “to be ‘awake’ to the passing hours and days of my present life, and to the relationships that define me professionally and personally. I have a very clear notion that every time I encounter another human being I have the opportunity to make the world a little better place by the way I interact with that person…I have a distinct opportunity to be present and open to them in a positive way.”

Later, he went on to write about the interconnectedness of the universe and how the energy we put into it matters.

“Who knows…perhaps it is our total efforts – universe wide – that really matter. Perhaps the positive energy that I create here somehow adds to that cosmic pool of aliveness and compassion and love. The physicists assure me that the universe in its entirety is totally interconnected and interactive instantly. If that’s the case, then my responsibility is also to that ocean of being that laps the shores of swirling galaxies as much as it is to this wondrous earth that I inhabit.”

This man’s words are healing, and I am grateful for them.

The Fresh Exchange

I love reading The Fresh Exchange and I was so inspired by Love Thy Neighbor, the story that Mike shared about the dinner that he and Megan had with their parents that changed someone’s life.

Humans of New York

I don’t see how anyone could read the stories of refugees shared by Brandon Stanton on Humans of New York and still be more motivated by fear than love.

One of the things that I’m obsessed with right now is creating pattern designs. This is probably obvious to you if you follow me on Instagram. One of the places on my list to submit work to next year is Bucketfeet, cool canvas slip on shoes designed by artists. When I went over to grab the link, I noticed that my friend Tammie Bennett has a super cool design for kids right on the front page. And Tammie, you live in Portland now? We’re practically neighbors! Clearly we need to catch up. Great work on your design! xo

Oh, Xochi Solis! I’m not sure how I found out about you but I’m so glad you exist. This Austin, Texas based artist is doing amazing abstract work. I’m such a huge fan!

And that’s a wrap, folks! Ahh…sharing is caring. Pay attention to the world around you this week and notice the good things. xo

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