The Offhours #34: Community
Thoughts on design, art and living life while being a creative human.
Seasons
I grew up on a block where all the families knew each other—a block where you naturally became friends with other kids because you’d all be outside playing or go to the same school. We all grew to learn each other’s families, habits, and built lifelong bonds. We’d get into trouble together, play games in the middle of the street, climb trees, and roast each other. There’s something special about looking out for each other like an extended family.
This year has reminded me how special that was and is. The social media landscape has fractured how people build community these days, but what is old is new again. Whether it’s reaching out by email, text, phone call, or meeting people in person, the effort needs to be made.
I’ve continued my social media diet over the last few months, exploring slower, less addictive ways of getting information. I’ve been more selective with consumption and have tried to find a semblance of balance, being intentional with how I engage—less scrolling, more reading, more listening.
I’ve been feeling the difference and I like it. It's a real effort to stay connected, but the effort is what matters most. Thank you for being a part of this community and for taking the time to engage with my words. I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you as I have some posts coming in the pipeline.
⏰ Linky Links - A mixture of articles, news, videos and stuff you may enjoy.
→ Listening: “Ke Huy Quan on fear, Oscars and being a new kind of action hero” via ‘Wildcard’ on NPR.
→ Reading: Another Elizabeth Goodspeed article via ‘It’s Nice That’ with “What happens when we treat the past like a stock library”.
→ Watching: This tour of the Gerald Luss House Mid Century Modern House “Inside the Gerald Luss House”. I’m obsessed with architecture and would pursue that in another life.
→ Liking: “Designing for the love of the game”, with Smith & Diction via the Dive Club. First time checking out this podcast, solid episode.
👋🏾 Hi, thanks for reading The Offhours, a newsletter on the creative experience outside of full time gigs, deadlines and self imposed schedules. You’re amazing, tell a friend. Stay Wonderful.
You're right. It takes time and effort. I'm also trying to get back to a slower, more intentional way of communicating and relationship building. So far it's worth it.