Finding what we are looking for. 

I have discovered that there are three components to successfully finding what I am looking for in life. Whether it is the perfectly cut blouse for my broad shoulders or something intangible such as compatibility and trust in a relationship, the three components are clarity, letting go of the firm grip on time restraints and the initiative to seize when found. 

Let me explain. (1) Knowing exactly what we are looking for: what would be the best fit - figuratively or literally, and accurately understanding what would be the best fit which takes time to discern properly; (2) Recognizing the need to not be constrained by time and acknowledging that our time-table does not dictate the time-table of others or the world at large; and (3) trusting, because we've carefully and thoughtfully tended to #1, that when we come across what we've been looking for we'll have the courage to say yes.

A simple example happened to me this week. Each spring I look for hanging baskets that are suited for the shade. Knowing I will eventually find one (I just dont' knwo when), I want to pay a reasonable price. While I began looking two weeks ago, I had not found one yet, but as I was doing my market shopping this week (and actually not even looking for a hanging basket at the time), I spotted exactly the style, flower and price I wanted. So, I loaded it up (after paying of course) and brought it home. Front porch complete! On a grander level, when a job you love is made available or the job you love might be shifted away from you, knowing what you love, knowing where you shine and bring forth your best skills and passions is the automatic fuel to demonstrate you are the best person for the job. Whether it is knocking the interview out of the park or communicating convincingly that you are the best person for the job due to what you have done thus far, the courage to take either stance exemplifies step #3.

The taking action becomes far simpler when we've done our due diligence with step #1. Part of the reason we are sometime hesitant to act on what presents itself to us is that we don't know for sure what we want. This feeling by itself is a sign to step back and do the homework. The homework may be something you can spend years on or just days, but the act of tending to #1 can ease our minds immensely especially when we are making big and financially impactful decisions. 

Speaking of knowing something without hesitation, this past weekend I was given the opportunity to see in concert the jazz band The Hot Sardines. The invitation came up unexpectedly, and even though it would be a day drive over to Portland and back (3+ hours each way), I would not have missed it for the world (see a few images here and check out IG's Highlights - "Francophiles" for more clips from the concert, and listen to my interview with the lead singer here - episode #157). With the concert as my inspiration, on Saturday I shared TSLL's Everyday Jazz playlist following a reader's suggestion.

So much more is in this week's newsletter from Ines de la Fressange's new style book, an entire post dedicated to espadrilles, lifehacks to get back to simple (this week's episode of the podcast), a vacation rental in Luberon, Provence, that will make you swoon and much more. Wishing you a lovely weekend, and until next week, I'll see you on the blog.

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