The Power of One Thing

This journey has been a process of learning and unlearning, breaking old habits and creating new ones. For the first two weeks of Surface Pattern Immersion with Bonnie Christine, we were challenged to gather inspiration as creators first, rather than consumers. I thought it would be easy, but the temptation to dive into Pinterest for “inspiration” was strong. Instead, Bonnie encouraged us to disconnect as much as possible and find inspiration in the world around us, in nature, museums, books, and antique stores.

At first, I felt overwhelmed. Then, suddenly, I noticed a spark. I wanted to create my own little haven at home. I began organizing my garden, planting, and repotting long-neglected plants. Building my own source of inspiration has been incredibly fulfilling. It has helped me breathe, notice colors, textures, and sounds, and be fully present. Even my kids have enjoyed spending time outside and getting involved.

One of the most freeing lessons Bonnie shared was the idea of doing one thing a day. Just one intentional creative act is enough to move the needle toward your goal. Life is busy, with a full-time job, family, and all the little shenanigans that come with it. As an art teacher, I have always wanted time for my own art, but I often found myself running on empty and watching my joy sink. One thing a day is achievable, even if it is just fifteen minutes. Even when I want to binge Netflix with a bowl of popcorn, I have to choose to be intentional. Sometimes the results are messy or imperfect, and that is okay.

A few days ago, for example, I was tending to my garden and noticed a broken leaf on my Alocasia. Instead of throwing it away, I brought it to my temporary studio, a desk in the playroom, and began sketching it with pencil. I then painted it in watercolor, trying to capture the subtle color shifts of the leaf. The piece turned out beautifully, especially since watercolor is still new to me. I started with fifteen minutes, returned later to finish, and my one thing for the day was complete.

This week has been especially draining because of yearbook deadlines. I start creating the yearbook at the beginning of the school year in August, but the final stretch requires long hours in front of the screen, juggling layouts, proofreading, and preparing pages for print. By the end of each day, my brain felt fried and my vision blurred. Thankfully, my husband picked up our oldest child at school, giving me a rare pocket of time just for myself.

It was a rainy, cold, and gloomy day in South Florida, the perfect excuse for a little escape. I wandered into an old bookstore I had not visited in three years. Stepping inside felt like a dream. The smell of aged paper and worn leather wrapped around me. Classical music played softly in the background, and the few people browsing the shelves moved quietly, as if I had traveled back in time. Shelves overflowed with art books, and if I could, I would have bought the entire store. I left with three treasures: a book on birds, one on flowers and painting, and one on the history of gardening. Walking back out into the drizzle, I felt lighter, inspired, and recharged. In that small window of time, I had completed my one thing for the day, bringing me closer to my creative goal.

This journey is reminding me that creativity is not about perfect results. It is about noticing, trying, and embracing the joy of discovery. Even fifteen intentional minutes can transform an ordinary day into something meaningful.

Here are a few photos of this beautiful place called Old Book Store, in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Mentions:

Bonnie Christine: https://www.bonniechristine.com/

Old Florida Bookshop: https://www.oldfloridabookshop.com/