As the beginning of the year gets underway, I have been carving out moments of time to reflect on the whys of closed chapters and to dream of what could be.

I think it is helpful to look back at times, places, people, and projects where peace and joy were most evident. And, in some cases, where, when, and how the light dulled. As well as reflecting on lessons learned, and how to reclaim the pieces that still sparkle and shine.

What I Return To: Where Beauty Lives

Peace and joy have become my inner mantra as I consider the qualities to anchor each step in all areas of my life. The funnel I must put every decision I make through, so that they can be the essence of how I contribute to the world. And to do so, I must find the space and calm to first refill my own cup, one that, drop by drop, has become depleted.

The creative process for me is both peaceful and joyous. Storytelling, with beauty as the cast of characters, is a magical wonderland. It is gentle, patient, and divinely imperfect. Contemplating a new floral design, ruffles, laces, and pretty palettes, or gathering treasures, warms my heart endlessly.

The Fragility of Creative Flow

I have learned I need to be non-negotiable in finding balance and creating boundaries to protect that sacred space, with distance from the noise of business. Creative flow is delicate, often manifesting from feeling more than the mind. When the mind disturbs the flow, feelings disconnect.

Multi-tasking is a necessary juggle in today’s world. But there is also the need, in some instances, to focus and be present with one task at a time. It’s in that deep connection where pure peace and joy can be found. And the joy of present connection is a gift to behold, for ourselves and others.

I realize I’ve become quite forgetful, and I see it’s because I’ve been juggling so much that I am often not present. And without presence, it’s hard for memories to find space.

A Slower Rhythm

My very first business endeavor was simply me, myself, and I. In the 1980s, setting up a tent at the Rose Bowl in California, with white linen and lace vintage finds I gathered on my travels. I had a notebook and pencil to keep track of my sales and profits. I shared my passion for every handmade detail with customers who stopped by (including the thrill of Barbra Streisand). The conversations that unfolded under my tent were meaningful and heartwarming. No distractions of mobile phones pinging, just the here and now of human connection, brought together with the common thread of humble beauty.

And again, when I began developing ideas for products for my eventual first Shabby Chic® store. Way back then, I did everything myself. Tea-staining fabrics, gathering vintage finds, with my toddlers in the back of my Grand Wagoneer, learning the furniture business, and rubber-stamping my first kraft paper bags and hang tags. Still with a notebook and pencil to track my sales and profits.

And when the actual door to my first store opened, the magic entered. With the small village that had grown behind the scenes, and the beautiful people who crossed the threshold. Days were long, with little attention to time; the joy of work and life was seamless.

What Was Built Together

Everything and everyone aligned with what became Shabby Chic®. The reflection of what went on behind the scenes, my beliefs, and the beautiful products we made aligned, and it was true and honest. This was simply a beautiful world, where I treasured every interaction with deep gratitude.

My design studio and headquarters, where my team and I would gather, became my family. The design and business process was collaborative, with space for the human experience of communication, debating, disagreeing, and coming together.

What Was Lost Along the Way

In recent times, little pieces and connections got lost, in part due to remote working and the downside of technology. I started not to recognize myself on the endless daily Zoom calls, and my tactile world, where all my senses were supported, was replaced with a digital experience. There was no core central station. And I became lonely and disconnected.

My life became a massive checklist. Honoring the responsibilities that come with owning a business. With little joy or peace.

Standing Here Now, With Gratitude

And so now, I am stealing moments, amongst my beautiful collection of timeworn mirrors, to reacquaint myself with my true reflection. I am older and wiser now, and I have the golden nuggets of wisdom. I know in due course that delicate creativity will find its flow once again. And I will protect that piece of me, so that she is supported, and can grow and flourish as she once did, all those years ago.

And for all of you who are reading this letter, thank you. We are a community that understands the significant value of gentle beauty and the experience of being human.