In this moment, I’m sitting at a little restaurant by our house. The walk here was so cold that I had to tuck my head into my jacket up to my eyes, dig my hands deep into my pockets and go as fast as I could. I made the trek though, without hesitation, just for a chance to get away from the house.

I’ve always loved the start of the New Year as a way of getting centered and dreaming but this year was different. The first came and went and I found myself feeling more in a funk than I ever have. I was fueling my body with sugar (Ben & Jerrys for dinner, I’m not even kidding) and staying up super late (what do you think happens when you eat Ben & Jerrys for dinner?), waking up early with the boys and dragging.

I couldn’t pick up a camera. I couldn’t finish a sentence. I just sat and doodled in between the rushes of being mom. Honestly, it was my sketchbook and my short workouts that pulled me through. A few days before the month ended, I decided enough was enough and I cut the sugar. I had a headache for 2 straight days.

I came out of that fog a new person. Seriously, a new person! Now, I’m sleeping way better which makes everything in my day better (I can write again!) and now I’m looking hard at 2022.

What should we do?
What can I do this year, with intention?

The word I keep coming back to is FOCUS.

To be honest, I’m so damn over the busyness. The scroll. I deleted Twitter permanently. TikTok permanently. I’m toying with the idea of being done with Facebook for good too.

Although I’ve always loved Instagram, I’ve been a bit disenchanted with it recently. It’s been hard for me to find the inspiration to post. Maybe it’s just a season? My people are there and I love the IG art world.. so it might have to be a pause and come back refreshed.

All I know is I am craving focus. Focus on my boys, my art (photography) and my blog.

I swear, all of this is a never ending process . I try. I fail. I think again. I try again.

So here’s to starting over in any moment and focusing on what is most important to you.

- Elyse’

“Missplaced”

Analog Collage
6x6, 2022