Light

In art we use the term “negative space” to define the area around the object (like the shape of the snow around the people). I’ve always kind of hated that it’s called “negative” space, because it’s actually one of the most positive things in a painting. When you can quiet down what’s around your subject, then it won’t distract from your focal point. You can focus on the part that really matters.

I told you guys I was coming gently into January and even though the world had plans that were anything but gentle, I’m grateful for the quiet space I’ve given myself to think and process. I feel like 2020 was my negative space (a little literally, mostly figuratively). I’ve learned a lot from trying to quiet all the noise and focus on the things that are truly important to me. Over the last year, and even this last week, they are so clear to me. My kids sat with me last Wednesday as tears streamed down my face, not believing what I was seeing. My daughter said, “Maybe as the world gets darker, we should really focus on making our home a place of light.” Her words comforted me then and I’ve been thinking of them so much since. We may not be able to control the negative space around us. But we can make sure our focus is making our home/ourselves a place of light. 💛💛💛