Jamie Green
patreon
Wellness and Work Life in 2022 π!
🕑 Added 2022-01-13 18:47:53 +0000 UTC
As I promised in my last post, it's a newsletter/blog post! I figured it would be a great start to our new year together to cozy up and chat. How are you doing? Do you have anything you're aiming for in the new year?
I have stood by the fact that I'm not really for "new years resolutions" because so often, I fall off with them and then feel disappointed that I wasn't able to achieve a (sometimes unrealistic) goal. At this time last year I thought I would be able to keep up with my Japanese studies, as well as fix all my issues with body image/exercise addiction/my relationship with food.
The first of which I didn't realize would be unrealistic until I got my workload for the new year and became so busy and overwhelmed that I barely had time for people that I loved, let alone practice another language.
The second is a long journey. And I realize this now. It's something I have been dealing with and will deal with for perhaps, the rest of my life. I'm quiet about it--even those closest to me don't know about it--because I'm afraid I will be shamed or told that "I look fine, so I shouldn't worry". This issue in itself is something I could write an essay on. But I did make baby steps toward change in this area of my life. It was unrealistic that I thought it could be magically fixed. After all, I'm human!
This year I have decided that instead of speaking resolutions out into the world, I will just be taking action without questioning it. If I feel like I want to do something, I'll do it. I have been doing this since late December and I haven't felt this satisfied and centered in a while.
βββ¦ββWhat I'm doingβββ¦ββββ¦ββββ¦ββ
I have said no to a possible book project because I know my limits this year.
I have started experimenting with new types of art and design that I haven't tried before.
I scheduled and got a full body massage with focus on my hands and neck (the artists' points of destruction), and then decided to sign up to get them once a month (!!!)
I got a new doctor because I wasn't comfortable with my previous one, set up an appointment, and feel kind of...excited about it. I have never felt excited about the doctors before, maybe this is a result of it being the first doctor I have chosen entirely by myself, for myself.
I called a therapist's office to schedule an appointment for the first time in my life after years of wanting to. My first session is coming up soon!
I'm just focusing more on myself. Working out to get stronger. Cooking meals to nourish my body. Saying no when I need to. Listening to what my body needs. Taking myself out and trying new things.
I feel proud of myself. :-) I feel like I've come out of an extremely overwhelming year, allowing myself the rest I finally can have. Obviously, there will still be ups and downs. Feeling all of our feelings, including the "bad" ones can be hard. Sometimes I used to think that feeling happy was right, and feeling sad or frustrated was wrong and should be fixed, but I think I'm finally coming to accept that this is what it means to live fully. A full life including feeling all the feelings.
Thanks for being patient with me while I pulled myself back together this past year. I'm really excited for the future--how about you?
βββ¦ββWork Life in 2022βββ¦ββββ¦ββββ¦ββ
Now that I've seen what it's like to take on way too much and say yes to nearly everything that came my way, I have a better idea of how to navigate the freelance work world in a balanced manner. Yes, I won't be making as much money. But that's okay. I found out I far value my life balance and mental health over some extra money.
What I know for sure that I'll be working on is Book 2 of ARDEN HIGH called King Cheer (guess I need to brush up on my King Leer knowledge...I will admit I've never read or watched it). I spoke with my agent and told him that if possible, I'd like to only work on that this year, and possibly a couple book covers, OR (not and) a single picture book with a subject matter I'm really passionate about.
(pictured above) I went plein air painting in Asheville earlier this week. I haven't plein air painted since college, and that was because it was literal homework for painting classes! But man, I missed it. My fingers were so cold they could barely move across the paper, so I only got in a couple tiny paintings outdoors. This is something I wouldn't have had time for last year. I want to start doing more things like that--artwork for the sake of playing, not anything else. Obviously, with tattooing in mind and possible selling some original work, I will be making money from some of the "fun work" I plan to do, but this is not the sole purpose for it.
It is creativity before money this year. I know I am in a place of privilege to say this, and I recognize that. I feel so much gratitude to be able to take it easier on work this year...but please hold me accountable if you see me starting to overwork myself again!
I got an exciting email yesterday that the PR person for Mushroom Rain reached out to a book store I recommended and I'll be doing a full window display for them in March to promote the book! This has been a dream of mine since I became a book illustrator (and admittedly, even before that). This is not something I'll get paid for since it is to promote sales of the book, but I'm not even really thinking of that. I just can't wait to draw on a window and make some fun paper shapes ALL ABOUT MUSHROOMS in one of my favorite local indie bookstores.
The store is Malaprop's in downtown Asheville. It's an incredible indie bookstore, so if you're local please check it out!
βββ¦ββSome Good Thingsβββ¦ββββ¦ββββ¦ββ
Finally, I'll wrap up with some things I am excited about/appreciating lately. I know some of you really liked when I made lists of things I was psyched about , so I'd like to get back to doing that more regularly. I just need to remind myself to write them down when I think of them--I encourage you to do the same! And please share them with me.
-My new hobonichi planner. I just love the size, the layout, and the whole look of it.
-wearing bracelets. I was previously not a bracelet person until I found the right ones.
-Using a digital journal, rather than a paper one. I don't really use my hobonichi for hardcore writing, moreso jotting down whatever comes to my mind or doodling. I needed a way to get back to journaling more in-depth, but I have a lot of trouble with the speed/hand pain of physically writing long entries. So I started using Day One, a digital journaling app where I can type and get my thoughts out faster and more efficiently!
-my new air fryer!! I have barely used it but I can't wait to shove absolutely everything in there.
-making coffee at home. I forgot how I liked this, because for nearly a year now I have been going out to coffee shops almost every day to do my book work. Now that I'm able to slow down a little, I have enjoyed making it at home again.
-stuff you should know. I realize this is not new information seeing as I've been a listener of their podcast for years, but I recently started listening with regularity again. Their episodes on ants and the Dysonsphere got me excited about learning again.
-I saw Washed Out (you might know him because he did the portlandia theme song) in concert and I feel like, even though I already loved his music, I'm appreciating it on another level now.
-golden kiwis. They are even sweeter and softer than normal kiwis. This is especially helpful for a ~good poop~.
-Apple and Onion on HBO max
-spaghetti squash. What the hell, you're telling me this spaghetti is actually squash?? How am I just now starting to use this?
-the feeling of organizing a small portion of your space that you have been meaning to organize. For me, this was under my bathroom sink. Everything has a logical place now, and there's no more bending over and digging to get to the nail clippers or my hair styling paste or a cotton ball.
-and finally, you guys. I don't think that you realize I still remember certain comments that you have left on posts from 7 months ago. I run through so many things that you say in my mind, and it always makes me smile. I love it here, I really do! Thanks for being open with me, leaving a comment, or just reading this silently. I have no idea what you're thinking on the other side of the screen, but just know I'm happy you're here.
Talk to you soon. π§Έ
-JG
Comments
mystikmisfit
I binged yer yt vids today + hopped on board this patreon corner of the net + Iβm so filled with inspiration + teary eyed joy ππΉππΌ u make me giggle + my heart feels so sparkly amongst my daily sadnessβ. Canβt wait for the book to come out in March. *4evrswooning* thx 4 being πππ
Lara Freitas
I'm SO happy you're taking care of yourself with a new doctor, massages and therapy! I was worried about you throughout last year because you were working so much, and it's good to know you're taking steps to slow things down. This year I want to slowly but surely bring back into my life the things that I loved but had to drop during the pandemic. Yesterday I had my first artistic rollerskating class in two years and I was so happy to find I haven't actually lost all of my skills (but I still can't skate backwards or brake efficiently, so I'll be working on that). I hope this year brings many new and joyful experiences to us all, some healing energy, and balance. much love π
Jamie Green
It's crazy how one drawer can literally turn your life around but it's really true right!!
Calvin
The feeling of organizing a small spaceβ¦holy shit yes! Iβve recently organized my paint drawer and there is no better feeling
Jamie Green
I'm late to responding to this but yes I will totally show off my bracelets!! I'd like to see your anklet(s) as well. I was really into wearing braided/weaved tie-anklets a couple years ago but one ended up falling off when I was climbing AHH, so the climbing gym claimed a fun anklet that day. And gosh yeah same, writing really hurts my wrists if I do it for too long which seriously limits my ability to get all my thoughts out. Typing has drastically changed the journaling game for me, and I look forward to doing it every day.
Jamie Green
Hi Vera, I hope therapy with your new therapist went well, I'm sure it is always a little inducing to start with a new mental health professional. I just had my first session and I'm looking forward to what the future holds with mine!
Jamie Green
Hey Nene, this response is super overdue--I read your comment last week, absorbed it, and just haven't replied yet! I think those sound like great goals. Do you know what books are on your list yet? I'm looking to read more too, and have just finished book one in the "Annihilation" series, and I'm halfway through the audiobook of "Crying In H-Mart" by lead singer of Japanese breakfast, Michelle Zauner. I also tried reading Untamed by Glennon Doyle but I didn't enjoy it like I thought I would. On another note, I hope we can remind each other to practice self love/self care. I had my first therapy session today and I'm feeling really thankful to myself for doing it!
nepeteaa
Finally got into anklets again to relive my younger self, so I know that feeling :-) You should show us your favorite bracelets sometime!!! Thanks for the suggestion of the digital journaling app, my physical one is making my carpal tunnel act up haha
Vera Golosova
Hello, Jamie, finally I was able to read this newsletter from you. It makes me so happy that you were able to pull this hard year and learn so much about what you want and what is good for you. Yes to therapy, I will be back to therapy next week with a new therapist. I am very hopeful that I will be able to learn and untangle certain stuff from my head. I am looking forward your new posts/video or audio podcasts here/maybe videos or streams or whatever fancies you. I love seeing your life and art journey. You are wonderful human being and I am so proud to be your patron <3
nene β he/they
I just always feel so balanced when reading your newsletter, and they always β¨fill me with determinationβ¨ and this one, too! π€ So nice to hear you have been taking the time to relaxing and making personal art! I am crazy stoked about your window display, I have a friend that makes them (like, as a job) and it's incredible to see what they come up with! π« Welcome back to the ~good things list~, been missing those, they have a way of making me appreciate stuff in my life while introducing me to some new things all around! And yes, golden kiwis are _so_ good!!! (my acnh island is called kiwi because "golden kiwi" was too long lmao) π I love this attitude for going into the new year and I wish to carry it, as well! I actually made some resolutions, but only things I know I can achieve, and it is nice having some goals to be reminded during the year ---I usually take some time in July/August to see how far I've come and fix what has changed! Like some of mine are "change fridge" (long overdue) and "read 30 books" (keeps me company) but also "make some space for creativity" (necessary) and "encourage self love reminders" (valid). β€οΈ Sometimes is the little things, you know!!! Hope you have a blast this year, it's a pleasure to be on this journey with you :')
Bea McCormick
what a good vibes little space we've got here :)
Jamie Green
WOWW that's so exciting! I'm especially amazed by the idea of a handbuilding clay course--that's so cool that you guys signed up for it. Sounds like you've got some fun creative exploring to do this year as well :-D
Morgaine Rae
I love the little graphics you've been making!! The header with your hand writing and the type *chefs kiss*. Hell yes to work/life balance!! Really thrilled to hear that you're feeling optimistic about your upcoming year β€οΈ I bought some silkscreen and relief printing materials I'm excited to use, as well as booked a handbuilding clay course with a friend later in the year π₯Ί Here's to engaging in hobbies wholeheartedly (and not monetizing them necessarily) β¨π°
Jamie Green
Aww Rachel, thank you! It's been one of the most rewarding changes of my life already, so I can't wait to see what the rest of the year will hold. Good vibes back at you <3
Jamie Green
Yes!! I'm happy to hear I'm not alone. Good luck with your acts of good service for yourself :-)
Rachel Sandoffsky
Even from your post, I can tell you are giving a lot of love to yourself. Hard to do lately but proud of you for making yourself priority. Sending you good vibes for the year ahead!
Sasha Avilov
aw this is so sweet to read and encouraging since i donβt like making resolutions either- iβm gonna steal this idea!
