I recently read a “self-improvement” book that made a lot of sense to me. This doesn’t happen often. I find many “self-help” type books to be not only repetitious, but also written by men who have wives and staffs. I keep threatening to write my own tell-all and titling it Working at the Bottom of the Hill. If you don’t know what that means, email me at mj@mjcompton.com and I’ll be happy to enlighten you. 

JOYFUL, by Ingrid Fetell Lee is an amazing book. I can’t remember a single thing in it that gave me pause. I have listed the Asthetics of Joy in my planner.

The first asthetic is Energy, and in the book, the author examines how vibrant color and light create energy. This observation not only spoke to me, it shouted. It explained why I painted my office bright sunshine yellow, why Janet Fish is my favorite artist, and why I like to keep the blinds open in my house. I didn’t need justification for those things, but understanding the why is always good. 

The chapter on energy also reminded me of a blog I wrote back on September 6, 2018. It was a short blog. Here it is in its entirety:

#CRACKPOTTHEORY: COLOR, FOOD, & THE WEATHER

I love bright  colors. I hate “tasteful” décor: ecru, beige, eggshell, and other shades of brown and white;  deep greens; dark reds. Who gets to decide what’s tasteful? Please!

One thing I’ve noticed is cultures that indulge in bright colors also tend to eat spicier foods. Foods with flavor. Full of taste. Yes, I know curry was invented to hide the taste of rotting food–but so was mayonnaise.

Other correlations I’ve noticed is that cultures with bright colors and spicy foods tend to be in warmer climates. They also seem to be closer to their emotions–more aware of their passions and unafraid to show them.

Color makes me happy. Spicy food makes me happy. Hot summer days make me happy (you can keep the humidity). Maybe I need to move.