Hey friends,
It’s been a minute, hasn’t it? How are you doing? Is your summer summering? Are all your whimsical dreams and wishes coming true?
I’ve been a little MIA lately, whoops. I took a little cottage trip with my family. What a much-needed break.
I also celebrated (?) my twenty-fourth birthday! Birthdays have always been a variety snack pack for me. As wonderful as they are, birthdays have always represented a sort-of looming, impending effect of time for me. Getting older is so loaded—have I accomplished enough for my age? What’s next for me? What the fuck am I doing?
Though, this year has felt a little different. It’s felt more present, more tangible. In one way, I’ve never felt such a profound effect of connection and love from my friends as I have this year. Some of you know that I moved to Toronto last Fall, and it was a scary transition, having to build a community from the ground up. I would never have thought that I’d be here, surrounded by friends who want to celebrate me. I mean, they baked me a cake for crying out loud! I’m still adjusting to this “people actually care about you” mentality—I’ll report back when I’m used to it.
Anyway, a few reasons I wanted to write you today.
I missed you.
I’m working on a really exciting project (more info below).
I made a list of 24 things for you.
24 Things
First up, 24 things I’ve learned in 24 years. I’ve written them out below, but I think you’d enjoy this video more:
Don’t check your phone before having your morning cup of coffee (or tea, or breakfast). Keep the menty stim low in the morning.
Make your bed every day.
When you’re running 5 minutes behind, say you’ll be 15 minutes late. It’ll take you longer than you think, and if it doesn’t—well, it’ll be a nice surprise.
Always carry a deck of cards in your bag.
Always be willing to miss the next train.
Dedicate one day a month to something you’re passionate about.
Call people by their name, and if you don’t know it or don’t know how to pronounce it—ask.
Tell the people you love that you love them often.
Complement people often.
Empty your email inbox every week.
Don’t use words like “always” or “never” when you’re in a fight.
Listen to people you disagree with.
You wouldn’t want others to think of you as someone who is quick to hate, so don’t assume others are quick to hate you.
You’re not running out of time. Slow down and enjoy where you’re at.
Frame a picture of yourself as a child. When you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, it’ll be a reminder of who you’re doing it for.
When you’re sad, go for a long walk.
Boredom is a great tool for creativity.
Keep track of your friends’ “favourites” in your phone (movies, desserts, books, etc).
When you’re in a group, pay attention to who isn’t being involved in the conversation, and involve them.
Don’t say “I’ll remember that later.” You won’t. Write it down.
Join your local library. There’s literally no downside to it.
To quote Thich Nhat Hanh, “While washing the dishes, you might be thinking about the tea afterwards, and so try to get them out of the way as quickly as possible in order to sit and drink tea. But that means that you are incapable of living during the time you are washing the dishes. When you are washing the dishes, washing the dishes must be the most important thing in the your life. Just as when you’re drinking tea, drinking tea must be the most important thing in your life.”
Be curious and question why things are the way they are. Learn how you play a role in the larger systems around us.
“Busy” is not an answer to “how are you.” It’s also not a personality trait.
Take what works for you, and leave what doesn’t!
Other Things
In other news, I’m writing a newsprint! It’s called COPYBOY. More information to come very soon, but it’s going to explore the theme of connection and community through a modern analog medium. I’m really excited for this, and I’ll be documenting the process over on TikTok.
But speaking of community, I thought it would be really fun to have a collaborative element with you guys. Something that would allow you to submit your art (whatever it may be), and be involved in this newsprint. I’ll share more about this once some details are clearer, but what would you think about this? Send me a comment or message and let me know!
That’s all for now. I’m really excited for what’s on deck, and thank you so much for tagging along for the journey, friends.
Cheers,
Matty
I think the newsprint project is an amazing idea! It would be a great way to show how different people’s art is and it would help those who think their art should follow a certain standard. I’m glad your back and happy birthday!
Happy birthday Matty!! I will go make my bed after reading your 24 things