With the onset of this new year, I had made big plans for expanding this space. I thought that would look like uncovering themes within the different facets of my work and sharing them wide and far in digestible weekly newsletters. I thought maybe I could be the type of person who wove together tips and practices and ideas in structured, consistent ways - you know, lists like *9 ways to implement this thing that will change your life* and *use these 3 tools to make yourself feel better right now!* I know I actually do have the capability to create a space like that but, quite honestly, it’s just not me - it feels inauthentic.
At it’s core, I want this space to be where I make connections between my art and life and therapy work. I want to muse and reflect and, well, process. I want you to feel the honor of witnessing my processing - my vulnerability and insights and occasional blunders - and to celebrate my wins with me too. My hope is that by reading these letters, you get to peek inside my brain - to feel connected with me and my work and gain an understanding of my unique perspective, maybe picking up some tools and practices along the way. Meaningful tidbits you can implement into your own life to live with a little more ease.
I am told again and again how I have a calming presence, there’s something grounding about sharing space with me. Maybe it’s my Capricorn nature, my profession as a ceramic artist and therapist, or maybe it’s just me. No matter what it is, I can feel the difference it makes in the lives of those close to me and with those who work with me, and I want to use this space to gift a little of that calm grounded magic to anyone who wants to access it.
With all the recent shifts and changes in my life, I’ve been working hard to find my footing, to feel some steady ground beneath my feet. One of the things that helps me process and connect and feel most like myself is writing. So lately, I’ve been sitting down with an actual ink pen in my hand (!) and writing letters to friends on paper, sliding them into an envelope with a cute stamp, walking with my dog to the mailbox, and sending them off. I feel like I’m sending a little piece of myself to people I love and it helps me connect with both them and myself.
And that’s what I want this space to feel like - a warm, thoughtful letter from me each week, an invitation to take a breath with me and think with me and feel with me and learn from me. It is, quite literally, me processing thoughts while in my studio (and out in the world). So I’m changing everything back to the way it was - to the way that felt best - to studio processing.
I don’t think much of anything will actually change around here except the design. I’m still me and this space, quite frankly, didn’t change much with my new goals because it has always been what I needed it to be, it just took me a little while to figure that out for myself. Maybe it wasn’t even necessary to write you this rambling letter, but I wanted you to understand my goals for this space and show that it’s okay to change your mind. You can always change your mind.
I wrote a little list for myself in my sketchbook, a scribbled inventory of things I’ve changed my mind about and things I’m experimenting with. What have you changed your mind about? Is there anything that’s been on your mind lately that you’ve been wanting to change? It can be scary! and freeing! It can also bring you closer with yourself, knowing what’s best for you and following your heart builds up trust within your most important relationship - the one you have with yourself.
Wishing us all the strength and support to change our minds when it feels right.
* NYC !! I’ll be hosting a mindful handbuilding workshop at BKLYN CLAY WEST on 4/20 - grab a seat for a slow, messy saturday morning away from the noise of the city here!
** I’m continuing to grow my therapy practice in nyc - if you or someone you know is feeling stuck, lost at sea, frustrated, or hurting - I’m here! please know that, because of licensing, you must live in new york state for us to work together!
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