I missed a deadline today.

I spent the last month making a series of paintings from a place of joy and freedom. I gave myself permission to work on it when I felt like I could produce the best results. This isn’t really an option with a lot of my work. My design and wholesale clients have schedules, and waiting around for my desire to work isn’t really on the timeline. Hehe. I wanted to approach this series of paintings differently. It was an experiment.

While I wait to hear back from the gallery on an alternate install day, I'm thinking on the idea of hustle and flow.

Recently, I listened to this podcast on why we may not have to work as hard as we think. Jess Lively does an awesome job connecting quantum mechanics principles to the spiritual side of life. The coolest bit from the podcast:

Our emotional frequency does more to create the outcomes in our lives than the intensity of action.

Frequency outweighs intensity.

I'm traditionally an intensity person. I want to work harder than anyone else and achieve all the things. All the things. However, when I've leaned into flow, and frequency, and my daily practice - I see small gems and beautiful lasting results. When I think of the times I've leaned into pure intensity, I see good results too. And I also see struggle, sadness and paths I'm no longer following.

While working on this series of paintings, I spent a lot of time smiling. My design projects seemed to flow. I felt better in backbends and heart openers in yoga classes. I found myself taking the time to dress well instead of throwing on my usual leggings + tee. I felt more connected and energized. This could be a coincidence, but my gut tells me there is something to this idea of frequency over intensity. I think I'll continue testing it out!

What do you think? Does this resonate with you?