Quirky Arty Happiness

on sketching, persimmons, and really good blankets

I’m an artist. I’m not an artist. Somehow, I manage to hold both of these truths in my head at once.

Lately, I’ve been sketching my coffee each morning. It’s a thing I do, but I wouldn’t say it’s part of my identity. I’d consider myself an artist, in that I’m a person who makes art. I wouldn’t consider myself an artist, in that my art-making is not integral to my sense of self. I sketch for the same reason as I walk on my errands or buy flowers for my home each week—doing so makes me happy.

A morning sketching ritual.

In a recent episode of Gretchen Rubin’s podcast, Happier, she suggests making a list of “quirks” as a way of exploring your sense of self, especially in a time of life transition. I did the exercise, writing down 24 of my own quirks to lean into, and I realized I’d ended up with a list consisting (mostly) of small things that make me happy. Things like how much I love and look forward to persimmon season each year. How I’m a “library person.” How I’m helpless when faced with a really good blanket.

Just realizing these things about myself felt like a treat. It was a window into how others might see me and how I want to be seen. And it provided some unexpected insight into my own path toward happiness. Happiness comes in moments, in the present. It comes in the first sip of black coffee in the morning, the feel of silk on my skin, and the opening whistle of a soccer game, even in times of overarching sorrow.

Back to art, though. Sketching each day makes me happy, but it turns out that’s not just an individual quirk. There’s something about art, in all its various forms, that makes all of us happy. After I took a watercolor class earlier this fall, I got intrigued by the effects art-making seemed to be having on me and downloaded the book, Your Brain on Art, by Sue Magsamen and Ivy Ross (affiliate link). The research is pretty fascinating, so I made a video about it:

Seeing the neurological proof of what art does for our mental health, stress levels and overall happiness has me even more determined to continue incorporating it into my life. Artist or not.

How about you? Do you “art”? Tell us about it!

Until next time, I’m wishing you love and joy and all those good things,

Jenn

P.S. Keep scrolling to read about what’s coming next. And if any of this—the video, this newsletter, something I said in the past—has hit home with you, you’re always welcome to reply to this email. It makes my day to hear from you!

Coming Soon:

• A few weeks ago, I did something major. I packed up a suitcase of clothes, a suitcase of other essentials (mostly notebooks, pens, and camera equipment), and my cat and drove from Los Angeles to Denver. My next video will be all about why. And as always, if you’re on YouTube, you can subscribe there and click the notification bell to get an alert as soon as the video comes out. Otherwise, I’ll be sure to link it in your next newsletter.

• Because of the location change, I’m holding off on YouTube Lives for November. If you’re someone who loves these and wants to participate, please let me know! Just saying so in the comments will help me make a decision whether or not to reinstate them later this winter.

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