What's the deal with... TRENDS?
The other day I talked a bit about trends and phases and why they occur. Today, I want to get a bit more individualized with the conversation and talk to you more about patterns and trends in your life and what to learn from them.
Pattern Talk
Why do we get ourselves into patterns or trends? Ever winter, the blues starts for some people. Every night, I sit in the same seat at the dinner table and it feels weird to try another. I tell everyone that our behaviors, even if they feel wrong or possibly have a negative impact on us or others, make sense and happen for a reason. Patterns and trends in our lives give us a sense of direction, consistency, and dependability, especially when things in our lives otherwise do not. It gets interesting when you stop and think about repetitive things you do in your day to day life that you may not even realize because it’s so engrained. I am also a big fan of adding new rituals to your life if you want some consistency or need the structure. Maybe you need to sit in your car a few minutes after work writing down the stresses of the day so you can rip the paper to shreds before entering your house. Maybe you need a night with your spouse to cook something new once a week. Maybe you need a morning meditation and a few moments to breathe so you can start your day feeling grounded.
Am I trendy?
Thinking about trends from a cultural or societal perspective is a bit different. Like I said in the previous blog, feeling part of the larger group provides a safety net, connection, and a feeling of inclusion that, as humans, is necessary to thrive. It is somewhat fun to see what’s hot or what’s not in the world as far as fashion or new gadgets and apps on our phones. It is interesting to see what trends circle back around from decades past. Do you have to be on trend to be a good person or worthy of the connection you seek? Absolutely not. Take from trends what you will and never define yourself off what the larger masses are doing, buying, or wearing. Genuine connections and feelings of security and togetherness can exist without everyone following trends. How about you pick what feels good or looks good to you? What is trendy to YOU?
Do Your Own Thing
I want you to feel empowered to pave your own way and make trends that feel appropriate and individual to you. Again, it feels safe and guaranteed to go with what we know and have others inspire us or tell us what we need to do or buy to have a good experience. However, being your own guide and finding excitement and trust in your own design eye and own judgement is an incredibly freeing thing.
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Our 'What's the Deal With...' series includes posts discussing trending topics and ideas that we find interesting and thought provoking. Any opinions that we may share in these posts are unique to us and we encourage you to complete individual research on any topics that you find interesting as well.