Thank You, But I’ll Pass
Two things sparked this post.
- A video of Lady Gaga talking about how she almost quit music two years ago. But she took a step back and decided to stop doing things she didn’t want to do. Not more selling perfume. No more rubbing shoulders with people she didn’t like. Creativity was getting the backseat while she felt overworked. You can watch it here.
- Paul Jarvis’ tweet : “my answer to most requests: that sounds like an amazing opportunity, but I’m a hermit and am passing on it right now”
Both of these things soaked into my brain and I started following their lead. I started passing on things that our (very connected) society says are great opportunities. But are the opportunities really that great if you don’t enjoy doing them? Probably not.
So this winter I’ve passed on being a mentor. That was difficult as I’ve participated as a mentor at both OSU and CCAD for the past few years.
I’ve passed on a lot of photography opportunities with amazing companies. Sadly, I’ve fallen out of love with photography. But I hope it doesn’t last too much longer. I believe that passing on these shoots will actually help rekindle the flame.
I’m passing on sponsorship/brand relationships here in this space because it feels weird. I have never been paid money to post my opinion about anything on the internet. Free product? Yes. I like free things.
But it’s not all about saying no. Like they say, for every no…there is a yes! (And vice versa.) Here’s what I’ve been saying “yes” to:
- When Adam says, “Let’s set up an area in the warehouse for you to start painting again!”
- When I get an idea or inspired to get people gifts (for no reason)
- When The Wonder Jam is asked to sponsor amazing events this winter
- When I have the chance to collaborate with my friend Kelli on UX
- When we have the chance to take more than two weeks off for the holidays and see our families!
- When the Columbus community wants to use our studio space to spread the love
So all-in-all, I totally dig passing on stuff that doesn’t wake me up in the morning. Or passing on the things that make me say, “Hmmmm.” Cause as my friend Val says to me…
It should be a “HELL YES!”
A Consideration
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Comments (12)
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IT SHOULD BE A “HELL YES!”- this is totally going to be my new life mantra. Great post!
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Oh, I sure hope you fall in love again with photography soon, as well. Your photos are lovely. Been there too -on and off in love with things (photography included).
I wish I had a nice space for painting too. boohoo. One day… :)
Hope you’re having tons of fun enjoying the things you’re saying “Yes!” to!-
I do too, Kelly. I miss it but just can hardly stand to shoot lately. I’m glad to hear you understand it though. It sucks!
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Jessica
This post basically is my life right now too. I couldn’t have read it at a more perfect time. Because it’s been one of the most difficult semesters I’ve ever experienced in my life, I’ve been learning (while struggling) to just pass the things that I don’t need to be around, say no to things that I know will not make me happy even though it is, say, socially acceptable to go out, do this with friends, etc… and I’m choosing to say yes to alot of things that I know… Will be good for ME. There’s so much lack of self-care in nursing, it’s ridiculous. Thanks, Allie. I’m going to start finding things to say HELL YES! to… Winter break is around the corner! :)
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Pamela
Are you passing in the City Swap this year as well? I’ve been watching for it.
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Pamela
Sorry, that should say “passing ON”!
Charelle
You’re absolutely right! In the end, people will only regret the things they didn’t do, not the things they did do!