I love this! I just printed out some rejection letters and framed them on my desk as “proof of risk.” When I received each rejection letter, email, or text, it certainly stung. But I was surprised that when I went back to print these, I no longer felt the shame of failure; I felt joy at having tried.
Thank you for modeling risky art (which is all art) and creating anyway!
freaking out that the magazine is A THING! as soon as C+C went to the quarterly publishing of essays, i thought to myself - these should be in a magazine, mailed to my house, and it will be so pretty and wonderful cause that is what C+C does - sends beauty into the world of mothering. Go Ashlee, GO! Chase the joy and thanks for telling us to, too.
I'm going to strive for about 1% of your positivity here about finding success in failure. And looking for joy just in the process. (Also, cannot wait to hear more about the secret project!!)
“You have to find joy in the act of making something—regardless of whether or not that thing ever earns money or praise.” I needed to hear this today 💕
Wow I love this SO much Ashlee! You are such a gifted writer. I feel inspired to work on a hand stitched toadstool house purse for my daughter now… it could be a joy to fail at!
This is timely for me as I am also venturing into risky art (well, what feels risky to me!) and I feel encouraged. I'm also excited about all your ventures! I love the art you create.
“And yet, this much I know: there is joy in trying, in experimenting, in putting yourself out there. There is joy in taking risks. There is joy in making art that you believe—deep in your heart—matters.”
Yes! Exactly what I needed to read tonight. Chasing the joy and embracing being brave.
An enjoyable read, and a good reminder of something I learned from a man named Bill Gillham, that the results of a thing are not as important as the method you use. The method determines success, regardless of the outcome. I look forward to reading more from you!
Well this was a delight to read. Such a refreshing perspective on creativity and “failure.” Also, this! -> “You have to find value and meaning and significance in the creative process itself, wholly separate from the outcome.”
I just started writing my first novel. I have no idea what I’m doing and it’s probably terrible in so many ways. But I feel so alive and fulfilled every time I sit down to write. I’m finding joy and feel so happy to do it just for the sake of joy, versus the pressure of traditional success.
I love this! I just printed out some rejection letters and framed them on my desk as “proof of risk.” When I received each rejection letter, email, or text, it certainly stung. But I was surprised that when I went back to print these, I no longer felt the shame of failure; I felt joy at having tried.
Thank you for modeling risky art (which is all art) and creating anyway!
Art is failure perfected.
freaking out that the magazine is A THING! as soon as C+C went to the quarterly publishing of essays, i thought to myself - these should be in a magazine, mailed to my house, and it will be so pretty and wonderful cause that is what C+C does - sends beauty into the world of mothering. Go Ashlee, GO! Chase the joy and thanks for telling us to, too.
I made a sign for my woodshop that says "I want to make beautiful things even if nobody cares" 🧡
I'm going to strive for about 1% of your positivity here about finding success in failure. And looking for joy just in the process. (Also, cannot wait to hear more about the secret project!!)
“You have to find joy in the act of making something—regardless of whether or not that thing ever earns money or praise.” I needed to hear this today 💕
Wow I love this SO much Ashlee! You are such a gifted writer. I feel inspired to work on a hand stitched toadstool house purse for my daughter now… it could be a joy to fail at!
I love this idea so so so much! I miss holding real magazines in my hands!
Beautiful, friend. Here’s to the joy. ♥️
What a great mantra to have!
A Joy to Fail at. This is so wonderful and such an inspiring way to remember to be curious and keep trying!
This is timely for me as I am also venturing into risky art (well, what feels risky to me!) and I feel encouraged. I'm also excited about all your ventures! I love the art you create.
“And yet, this much I know: there is joy in trying, in experimenting, in putting yourself out there. There is joy in taking risks. There is joy in making art that you believe—deep in your heart—matters.”
Yes! Exactly what I needed to read tonight. Chasing the joy and embracing being brave.
An enjoyable read, and a good reminder of something I learned from a man named Bill Gillham, that the results of a thing are not as important as the method you use. The method determines success, regardless of the outcome. I look forward to reading more from you!
Well this was a delight to read. Such a refreshing perspective on creativity and “failure.” Also, this! -> “You have to find value and meaning and significance in the creative process itself, wholly separate from the outcome.”
I just started writing my first novel. I have no idea what I’m doing and it’s probably terrible in so many ways. But I feel so alive and fulfilled every time I sit down to write. I’m finding joy and feel so happy to do it just for the sake of joy, versus the pressure of traditional success.