Savouring simple daily pleasures
For most of my adult life, Martha Stewart has been a key influence and inspiration to me- along with countless others. A mentor of sorts. The first time one of our guests made a tongue-in-cheek remark about " eat your heart out Martha Stewart" I swelled with pride.
Everything she did seemed effortless, always turned out perfectly and was unquestionably chic. Above all, it embraced and celebrated creating a beautiful home- and taking joy and pride in doing so.
Several years ago I read her biography, before I became a parent a little not-so-guilty pleasure was to watch her daily show on days I had a spare moment, and when my girls were younger, she was a massive part of my home organization, cooking and decorating influence and inspiration. A Halloween party - in our then much smaller home- which - if I say so myself- rivaled many, and was SUCH fun- if a little time-consuming!
I find myself this year, (And with a clarity this week becoming apparent as my husband is out of town and my work steeps up a gear) feeling that what I am striving for is just out of reach, just not quite attainable, not enough hours in the day to accomplish the have- to's, wants, needs, musts and would -like- to's. My mind is like my laptop- too many tabs open, even random music coming from somewhere. So it was rather apt, and very much noted, that on the one evening, I was able to quietly sit for 1/2 an hour before heading up to bed, a Martha Stewart Documentary popped up.
I sat, with my china cup of peppermint tea, watching in awe as she confidently talked to the interviewer. She held their gaze. She sat with silence at times- comfortable and uncomfortable ones. She showed a hard nosed business woman as well as a vulnerable emotional lady. But what really struck me a new, was her purpose- her drive, was to make every day living beautiful, pleasurable and accessable to everyone.
She coined, copywrited and branded the phrase Everyday living.
When questioned about her chosen niche and area of expertise in home making, style and everyday living she said simply:
"It has always been for me, a very serious subject"
This somewhat formidable business mogul, and first female billionaire, was wildly successful because she met the needs and dreams and aspirations of millions of people- mostly women. Over a subject and topic previously deemed frivolous, worthless and unimportant.
Filling a need for yourself and then realizing that you are helping and serving others who also need it or are seeking it.
"Its a good thing." A slogan coined by Martha encompasses all that we seek in our everyday lives. The little bright joy-filled nuggets of everyday.
The company business plan for Martha Stewart Living was designed around a solar system with her at the center. What admirable confidence and gumption for a woman, to carry an enormous enterprise and brand, purely on her namesake and everyday skills and passion for good things.
From an ordinary and rather modest upbringing, to a home-based catering company, to the world's first billionaire business woman on the stock exchange.
Not always displaying characteristics I would aspire to or welcome, but the drive and confidence and the passion. The conviction of her belief that everyday living was a good thing, and something achievable by anyone who wished to, is such a continued inspiration to me; renewed again by this documentary. Giving me a fresh drive, spark, and enthusiasm to keep pursuing my vocation, my message, and my intentions. Intentions rather than a goal as a goal has an endpoint, it has a finality to a completion, what I strive for is a lifelong way of living. a lifestyle, filled with life, and style, and gratitude, joy and a peaceful contentedness.
A little and often. Keep learning, and growing knowledge and skills. Its not all or nothing, its something always.
So, if needs be, please forgive me a brief pause in posts, while I pursue what I need to in order to create content and writing to reach further and spread my message wider. This was a vocation she pursued and strived for-and still -is over decades, even a prison sentence! And she's still going!
I believe there are truly so many readers out there who can benefit, seek comfort, inspiration or a little calm from what I want to be able to offer.
Thanks Martha. I needed that nudge.
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