The Purpose of Distraction: How Art and Self-Expression Lead to Meaning 

Dorothy Parker once said, “The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.” But self-expression, that darling of the artistic set, may just be the very remedy for distraction and exploration toward purpose. 

As I navigate life’s challenges, I turn to the art of self-expression as a compass in my quest for purpose. Questioning: is self-expression just a form of distraction? Are all forms of artistic expression valid weather in the stormy skies of finding purpose? I’m plunging into the depths and exploring the relationship between art, self-expression, distraction, and purpose on my journey through the wilds of the human experience. 

As I tackle yet another week to improve myself, I can’t help but think of another Dorothy Parker quip, “I hate writing; I love having written.” But alas, here I am, documenting my efforts to be a better human and holding myself accountable to my New Year’s resolutions in these biweekly musings. So, with a sigh and a sip of gin, let’s begin. 

Weathering Weekend Storms

Thursday: A Stormy Start 

Wednesday evening, my partner Tiger and I were drenched in a downpour of rain after grocery shopping. We decided to wring out our saturated spirits and seek refuge at our local spot for our usual burger and karaoke dinner. As we were the only ones there to start the singing, we made a game of it with our host, performing only songs that somehow referenced rain, storms, thunder, and/or lightning. We sang everything from “No Rain” to “Lightening Crashes,” “Thunderstruck,” to “Stormy Weather.” It was a whimsical and lighthearted way to spend the evening, but little did we know that the stormy theme would foreshadow the next morning’s events. 

Thursday began with a streak of bad luck that would make even the most superstitious person cringe. My muscle injury from earlier in the week flared up with the ferocity of an angry accordion player in a bullfight, leaving me immobile and unable to help my poor partner when he took a fall and ended up with a Dali-esque split lip. The morning felt surreal and unnerving at the same time. 

As the day progressed, we tried to make sense of the absurdities. We dragged ourselves along, nursing our wounds and trying to steady our frayed nerves while not-so-silently imploring that the impending weekend would be less of a dumpster fire than the start. 

To add insult to injuries, my partner, in a fit of clumsiness, sent his steaming cup of coffee cascading over the blue distressed wood end table— a torrent of disappointment, all while trying to save our mischievous feline, Trixie, from her own potential caffeine-spilling antics. My body, a traitor, still rebelled against me with soreness and muscle spasms, rendering me unable to continue my weight loss exercise routine streak. 

Thursday has been a melody of malady – a lesson to always listen to the warnings of an impending injury or else suffer the consequences.

Thursday Takeaways: Thursday has been a melody of malady. One moment, I was belting out “Stormy Weather” with all the drama of a diva, and the next, my body was singing a symphony of pain. A lesson to always listen to the warnings of an impending injury or else suffer the consequences. As I lay on the couch, feeling like a broken record, I reflected on our previous karaoke session. It was as if we had summoned the stormy atmosphere with our song choices. Once a symbol of confidence and power, the microphone mocked me with its inaccessibility. Once a source of joy and expression, the lyrics now taunted me with their irony. 

Just as a song can have multiple interpretations, I choose to see the silver lining in this cloud. This setback will only make me stronger and more cautious in the future. Maybe next time, I’ll sing Cinderella’s’ “Shelter Me” with even more conviction. 

Friday: Insomnia & Inspiration 

During Friday’s early morning hours, my mind was a ceaseless clock, ticking away the hours I lay awake on the couch. Instead of counting sheep, I indulged in my guilty pleasure – detective shows – but found no solace in their familiar plots. My thoughts were consumed by my reflective writing and constant calorie counting. 

Due to insomnia-induced desperation, I caved to my cravings. I partook in an early breakfast fit for an insomniac queen, nibbling on fruit, cheese, and granola. But the indulgence only left me feeling empty. The culprit was boredom, a thief in the night, stealing my willpower and then complaining about its cheap quality. 

I worked on my documentation project to distract myself. I made incredible progress. I lost myself in problem-solving. The steady flow of thoughts and ideas eased my troubled mind. 

Yet, in the glow of the tv light, I still couldn’t shake the guilt of being a failure, unable to solve the mystery of my own body. The characters on my television screen quickly solved complex cases, yet I was powerless in the face of my weight. Sleepless and defeated, I eagerly awaited the melatonin to rescue me. I finally crashed. 

Friday afternoon dawned, and I found myself plagued by the words of a poem stuck in my head like a catchy tune. I was confident that Wendy Cope penned the verse, but try as I might, I couldn’t place it. So, I set out on a mission to find it, scouring the internet and flipping through pages of her books. Hours passed as I devoured her work. I laughed at her wit and marveled at her clever wordplay, but still, her poem eluded me. 

As the evening wore on, my obsession with finding the poem grew stronger. It was a puzzle that consumed my every thought, and I could not focus on anything else. Finally, after an eternity, I stumbled upon the poem “Letter” in the collection “Serious Concerns.” And there it was, the verse stuck in my head, describing a lover covering the speaker with a blanket after she fell asleep on the couch. 

I smiled at the serendipity of it all. The poem’s words perfectly mirrored my experience from mere hours earlier. And at that moment, I felt a resonating sense of connection to the poet, as if she had written those words about me. 

It was a small victory but enough to allow me to move on to other things. This inspiration might be the key to unlocking my creative potential. As I lay there, blanketed in warmth and contentment, I wrote:

Friday Takeaways: As I sat down to write, my admiration for Wendy Cope led me to ponder the power of admiration and how it relates to popularity. I questioned the psychology of admiration and the link between admiration, respect, popularity, and celebrity worship. Is this healthy? 

But as I delved deeper into these musings, my thoughts kept circling back that perhaps I was also searching for my own purpose. My current lack of a job or career made me question my identity and place in the world. I wanted to know if my interests and passions could be blended together under one umbrella, like a storm brewing, to create something new and exciting. 

In a YouTube video, Ryan Adams and Nora Jones discuss collaborating on the song “Dear John.” Adams reflects on their differing approaches to art, suggesting that he views music as a medium that captures the essence of life’s living information and existing experiences. On the other hand, He thought Jones took a more contemplative approach, likening her songwriting process to watching clouds and only considering a song complete when all the elements come together like a perfect storm. Ultimately, Adams eloquently concludes that for him, “it’s all weather; it’s all valid.” 

Perhaps the role of a creative director or design systems director would suit me, a way to bring together my love of music and communication, my appreciation for transmedia design, branding, design systems, UX/UI design, product design, and communications arts, and my desire to matter and create something impactful in the world. 

The only thing I knew for sure: The role of art and music, like the role of purpose and distraction, in our lives is complex and damn near ineffable!

The only thing I knew for sure: The role of art and music, like the role of purpose and distraction, in our lives is complex and damn near ineffable! 

Saturday: A Soliloquy

Pensive, I’ve been, and more so than usual. Restlessness grips me, and a longing for change. This past year, I’ve delved into my passions once more – singing, strumming, capturing life through a lens, penning songs and poetry, and even dabbling in prose. And I’ve always had a penchant for paints and graphite. This year, I vowed to make more time for self-expression. 

Tiger and I often talk of travel. To see new places, to immerse ourselves in different cultures – it’s a dream of mine. But, alas, work and health have taken precedence, leaving little room for friends and family. A common predicament, yet no less frustrating. 

The mind’s musings weigh heavy. But even in my contemplations, I didn’t neglect my physical well-being. I gave the elliptical a good workout, an hour of HIIT since my muscle spasms have given me a break. A body in motion clears the head…and all that jazz! 

Saturday Takeaways: The struggle is real, isn’t it? My passions are tugging at my sleeve, begging for attention. Still, work and other tedious responsibilities keep getting in the way. 

Finding the perfect balance between self-expression and distractions is like trying to tame a wild beast – a constant struggle. But, like taming a wild beast, it’s all about being firm with myself. I must set aside dedicated time for self-expression, even if it means saying no to the endless parade of distractions that life throws my way. And, as with all things worth doing, it takes patience, dedication, and consistency to achieve true harmony. In the end, finding that sweet spot and letting my passions run wild is worth it. 

Sunday: The Day of Letting Loose

Ah, Sunday. The day of rest, they say. Ha! Not for Tiger and myself, darling. We rose with the birds, eager to make the most of our day. While he tinkered away at some home improvement project, I scribbled away at my writing and design endeavors. My weight, bless its soul, had taken a dip–lower than it’s been all year but still not quite back to its pre-Christmas glory. 

Progress, but not the perfection for which I so yearn. To top it off, I subjected myself to a grueling hour on the elliptical, sweat pouring down my face, all in the name of wellness. I did it, and, to soothe my weary bones, we listened to the haunting melodies of the Hadestown soundtrack on good old vinyl, of course. 

After a tiring week of work and responsibilities, we enjoyed a night of relaxation and leisure. Our first stop was a local sushi restaurant, where we indulged in various delicious and expertly crafted sushi rolls. The flavors were fresh and savory, and I especially enjoyed my healthy veggie roll.

Next, we headed to Brandy’s Piano Bar, where live music filled the air. The atmosphere was lively and upbeat. We were tapping our feet, singing, and making new friends over cocktails.

Despite straying from our usual moderation, we couldn’t help but be swept up in the festive mood. And though we may have overindulged a bit, we left feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to tackle the coming week with newfound energy and positivity.

Sunday Takeaways: At times, my dear, we must indulge in decadence and forego our fastidious ways. An evening spent in leisure and relaxation is just what the doctor ordered, allowing us to recharge and refresh our weary souls. 

The aural delight of live music and performance is not to be underestimated. It holds power to stir our emotions and elevate our spirits.

The Beauty in Being Lost 

As I reflect on my journey through the wilds of the human experience, I realize that self-expression and art can be both a distraction and a compass in my quest for purpose. The stormy skies of life can be overwhelming. Still, it’s important to remember that all forms of artistic expression are valid. Whether singing in a karaoke session or writing in a journal, expressing ourselves is a necessary part of the human experience. 

As we wrap up another week and ponder our paths, let’s not fool ourselves into thinking there’s a “right” way to live. Oscar Wilde succinctly said, “Conversation about the weather is the last refuge of the unimaginative.” But life is weather, and it’s all valid. We all have unique experiences and perspectives, and what works for one person may not work for another. Embrace the diversity and complexity of life, take risks, and try new things. 

Ultimately, the storms of life can be brutal, but they are also a reminder that we are alive. As I progress in my journey, I will continue to weather the storms, knowing that each is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. 

It’s in the moments of wandering aimlessly that we stumble upon new roads, unearth hidden gems of talent and passion, and ultimately, discover the true essence of ourselves.

In one of my favorite quotes, Wilde also pointed out, “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” And while it may seem counterintuitive, there is beauty in being lost. Such a quaint little notion, isn’t it? But let us remember that it’s in the moments of wandering aimlessly that we stumble upon new roads, unearth hidden gems of talent and passion, and ultimately, discover the true essence of ourselves. 

Remember the old adage, “Life’s a journey, not a destination.” But remember that the journey can be just as trying as reaching the end. It’s easy to get bogged down in our own struggles, but let’s remember there’s always something for which to strive and be grateful. Whether pursuing our passions, traveling the world, or spending time with loved ones, let’s keep our eyes fixed on the stars.