Creative Director ~ Meant

I Create: Creative Director of My Life.

I recently experienced a short season of grief. I know that it will come on in waves, and it’s not over, but my heart felt a strong tug to back when my boys were small. My older one turned 19 in June. I see pictures of him as a happy, loving boy and it crushes me a little bit. Of course he still is that person, but the little boy is gone. A lot of grief comes with realizing those days are over. I adore them, and the little babies and kids that they were, and as time moves on so quickly, I am now faced with the fact that I could have appreciated more. Soaked in those moments more. And the self-criticism of things I could have done differently or been better at feel heavy and cruel.

Grief has a way of forcing reflection, and we face who we really are. With this grief lately, I’ve seen the quiet traits that have always been part of me. We all have a ‘Meant-to-be-ism’ about ourselves. A typical, signature way about us that follows us through life. Like a fingerprint that no other can replicate.

Even though I’m a quieter person, I’ve been quick with friendliness. Then I feel like a dork. Quick to say hi or quick to offer a comment to begin conversation and then I feel like I seem too eager. I’ve been Quick to wave and then feel silly and wonder what people must think of me.

But then I realize that’s just me. It’s subtle, and it’s mine. I value human connection. I’m always reading the room. I’m always assessing who might feel uncomfortable or uneasy and needs a friendly smile.

I’ve often felt silly, like I’m too approachable, in an odd way. Other people sort of have energetic guards up, like, ‘don’t come over and talk to me,’ or, ‘keep your distance.’ I think part of it is that I’m always aware of my surroundings. Others are not, but it comes naturally to me. I’m always paying attention.

Over the years, and many small agonizing moments of self-reflection, I realized, I shouldn’t feel bad about waving at people. So I’m the person that waves, even if I don’t have my glasses on and am not 100% sure it’s the person I know – so what?

I’m the type of person that doesn’t like it if people feel lonely. I can empathize with heavy emotions that need some light.

That’s just how I am. I’m someone that values connection. My grandfather was a minister in a church. His job was visiting with people, being approachable, and offering a warm interaction and encouragement and faith. I think this did play a role in how I am now. I wave at people I don’t know, because I see them every day. During college, I got on the same bus almost every day, at the same time. I started to talk to the friendly bus driver. Some class mates made me feel bad about it, but I didn’t care, he was a nice person. I’ll say hi or just wave at the group of regulars at the coffee shop in the morning.

I highly value human connection, even though I’m an introvert. I love ‘slow-living,’ – aka, appreciation for the moments and the simple things and not a rushed life. I value warmth, the philsophy of Hygge and ‘gezelligheid,’ (which is Dutch), encouraging thoughts, uplifting quotes.

Aside from my appreciation for human connection, there is nothing that I think more important than love for self. Which leads to trust for self, (or the other way around, trust can come first and then lead to love), and fulfillment, joy and so much more is the result of that self love and trust. I value this highly and wish everyone had this satisfaction in their life.

It is these two main values of mine, human connection along with self love, that I came up with what will now be my annual ‘signature’ work.

I am starting a mail-out. A mail-out over the fall and winter months. It is an art card each month, a handwritten quote or two inside, as well as a journal prompt. The cards are bespoke, made solely for this work and are unavailable in my shop. The inspiration behind it is Light. Hygge. Warmth. Coziness. Lovely slow moments.

During the darker months, when the days are shorter and loneliness can creep in, I feel drawn to share my art and love of quotes. This project will be something heartfelt to brighten the season and be a reminder that we are not alone, especially with our heavy emotions.

Creating this project feels like a natural extension of creating a life I love. A life filled with intention, creativity and meaning. And that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? To create things that reflect what we value and share them in ways that might brighten someone else’s day. This project is that for me – an expression of the life I love and the kind of world I want to help shape.

The details will be sent out with my Newsletter, you can also reach out to me in the Contact page of my website.

Until next time,

Devon