Sorry for the lack of updates, but this is what I’ve been up to … writing, off and on, since last Friday. Currently I’m at 25 pages and over 9,300 words. (The image above is not proofed, so if you find errors, please ignore for now, xoxo) I want to find a way to count the number of times I’ve used the words “joy, methodology, create, and process” within my paper. In a strange way, I’ve enjoyed being able to finally validate my area of study in regards to a design thesis, and writing this paper has been helpful for increasing my overall confidence. Sometimes when people ask me what my thesis about, I feel embarrassed to say joy. In one of my readings, Driven to Joy, Gabrielle Esperdy writes:
Although Thoreau called it “the condition of life,” there is something faintly embarrassing about joy. Like sex, its necessity may exist in direct proportion to our lack of interest in discussing it. Or maybe this reticence is caused by our uncertainty about an emotion that is difficult to define.
Gretchen Rubin also touches on the subject in her book the Happiness Project, which I’ve mentioned earlier. It’s good to know I’m not crazy, I just wish we as a society felt more ease in talking about happiness and joy. I guess we’re all just suspicious of happy people, and myself included. At times I feel like I’m going through another coming-out process with my thesis. If that’s indeed true, I’m glad I’m going through this process. I came out towards the end of high school and that process was crucial in developing my confidence in myself. Where would I be today had I not done that? I’m sure I wouldn’t be blogging from NYC talking about writing a thesis that’s for sure.
I’m excited to finish the paper so I can finally get back to the visual part of this project. Last week, I sent out letters to 30 friends, asking them to participate in an activity I did a few weeks ago. Here’s some pictures of the letters. I’m happy to say I’ve received about 10 back in a week, and can’t wait for more. A big thanks goes to everyone that particpiated! I’m printing one last run of cards this week, so that will make a total of 40 I’ll send out. PS, if you want to participate, email me your address!
Within each letter is an introduction page briefly explaining my thesis direction and asks for their participation in my “mission.” Should they chose to accept, they open the smaller enclosed envelope, with the directed exercise. This is later mailed back to me here in NYC.
Here is the pile I threw away because of typo’s … only realizing the mistakes after wasting $70 on printing and several hours cutting and folding.
The first two letters I received!!
Introduction page with joy quote.
