We are obsessed with overthinking, over-planning, and over-consuming, what if the path to fulfillment was actually simpler? What if it came down to three essential practiceS?
This transformative philosophy emerged from my conversation with designer and artist Kelly Lynch—and it's exactly what our fast-paced world needs to hear.: trusting your instinct, embracing play, and cultivating genuine connection?
The Unscripted Journey: When Instinct Becomes Your Guide
Kelly's experience reads like a love letter to intuition. From her artistic beginnings in New Hampshire to spontaneously - yet, very preparedly - moving to New York, then living in Paris and Amsterdam, her life has been what she calls a "meandering experience"—guided not by rigid five-year plans, but by an inner compass she's learned to trust completely.
"I just kind of jump in and let the universe support me," she says with an easy laughter. And it isn't recklessness - it's profound courage. It's the willingness to explore an idea without knowing the destination, to let curiosity lead the way without overthinking “security” at the other end.
How often do we silence that quiet inner voice—that gut feeling—in favor of what seems practical or what others expect? Kelly's journey suggests we're missing something vital. Life's most fascinating breakthroughs often emerge when we dare to follow our instincts.
The Power of Play: Creativity as Sacred Practice
For Kelly, "play" isn't frivolous—it's fundamental. Whether developing a stationery company, creating vintage postcard collage kits, or curating art for sticker books, her approach centers on experimentation and joy. Creating, she believes, is a "healthy activity" that quiets the mind and builds bridges between people.
We lose this somewhere between childhood and adulthood, trading spontaneous joy for perceived seriousness. But Kelly reminds us that embracing curiosity, trying new things, and creating without overthinking the outcome can reignite our sense of wonder—especially during challenging times.
It's about finding what excites you and leaning in completely, allowing those moments of play to evolve into something meaningful. And long-lasting.
The Heart of Everything: Connection
The most profound insight from our conversation? Kelly's belief that "the essence is connection." This extends beyond relationships, to encompass our life's purpose, our work, our community, ourselves.
In an era of perceived connection, yet really increasing isolation, Kelly emphasizes mindful engagement—particularly with technology. Her honest reflection on screen time (13 hours at one point!) serves as a wake-up call to prioritize genuine human connection over digital consumption.
But connection isn't just external. Kelly speaks powerfully about maintaining an inner dialogue that fuels creativity and transforms her ideas into reality. This connection with “self” that essentially becomes the wellspring from which instinct and play flow, enabling - each one of us - to bring our unique visions to life and create opportunities for others to connect through our work and essentially just engagement with the outside world.
Your Invitation: Play, Connect, Stay Curious
Kelly's wisdom distills into three luminous practices: play, connect, stay curious. Not just as creative tools, but rather life practices that can transform how we move through the world and exist in it.
Trust Your Instinct: What quiet nudge have you been ignoring? What would happen if you listened?
Embrace Play: How can you infuse more curiosity and experimentation into your daily life? What would you create if you knew you couldn't fail?
Deepen Connection: How can you foster more authentic relationships—both with others and with yourself?
Despite the daily headaches and things we need to navigate to stay alive, life doesn't need a script. By trusting our instincts, embracing the joy of play, and prioritizing genuine connection, we can all create lives rich with meaning and purpose.
The question isn't whether you're capable of this transformation. The question is: are you ready to begin?
With much Aloha,
Olga @YelloBirdie
P.S. To listen to my full conversation with Kelly Lynch click here
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