For this month of May, I’m going to give you share with you some things I have learned from thriving in a work/live space. I’m calling this series: #LiveWorkwithTiffany. I live in a studio apartment where I do all my art and work. From talking to many of my friends who are freelance or own their own businesses, the topic of the frustrations or freedom of working out of the home has come up. I thought it will be helpful for everyone whether you work from home or you want to designate a space for art or a hobby! Hope you enjoy my work/live version of #connecttuesdays!
Who are you?
I am Tiffany Wong – an artist - figuring out what that exactly means and how to make it sustainable. I love to learn about how people thrive holistically. It’s been really interesting listening and reading about habits, systems, philosophies that are implemented to increase health and productivity. I was just chatting with a friend the other day about the definition of success, and how it’s so important to have an honest look at YOUR definition of it. It’s too easy to define it by other’s definition. When I think about designing my work/live environment, it starts with understanding what it means to be successful in my life both in professionally and personally. For me, my definition of success is to grow and thrive as a human (emotionally, spiritually, physically, mentally, relationally, artistically) while working hard at being vulnerable to really go after the life/career I dream of.
What inspires you?
A little more than two years ago, I read Marie Kondo’s The life-changing magic of tidying up. I still to this day think about that book and it’s philosophy all the time. Most of you probably have read the book, but for the rest of you the premise is this: Be intentional about the things you have and buy. If something doesn’t bring you joy or fulfilling a helpful purpose, you should get rid of it. The freedom of stripping things that take away joy is so inspiring to me. It gives depth to the minimalistic trend. I love living in a space that doesn’t have many things, but is filled with openness, possibilities, and peace.
What do you fear?
I fear of living a tolerable life. A full life is one that is filled with challenges and hardship, but there is a difference from hurdles that life naturally gives you and curating a life/space that you bring onto yourself. With that responsibility, I’m afraid of choking out the joy and peace from bad habits and poor choices. I fear of just getting by and ignoring the small joy filled things. I fear of being a victim an on going experienced of hedonic adaptation (look it up).
What makes you laugh?
Sometimes when I’m relaxing at night, I watch The Office. Remember when Michael forms his own company, and he hires Ryan and Pam? In one of those episodes, Michael is talking to the camera and says, “You know what they say: Keep your friends close.”
Hats off to you if you’ve read all of this! During May, feel free to share with me helpful tips you’ve learned from having a live/work space!