There’s been a lot happening behind the scenes lately, exciting things, but different than what I had in mind.
Business has been slower this summer, and I’ve welcomed that with open arms. It’s given me space for personal development and time with loved ones. I’ve got some exciting opportunities on the horizon, mixed in with some big personal changes too.
First up: I’ve decided to move back to the States next year. Turns out, my London life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Not because of the city itself, this place is amazing and I truly think everyone should visit at least once, but mostly because my heart belongs back home.
A lot of the things that used to bring me comfort aren’t here. While I’ve found ways to replace some of them, there’s still a hole in my heart that only home can fill.
That said, I’ve learned a lot by making the move across the pond and spending over a year here. For one, I started this Substack, which has brought me such a great community and opened new opportunities. There are many other lessons too, but I’ll save those for another post.
What I really want to share is this: it’s okay if things don’t go according to plan.
Maybe your dream job turned out to be more of a headache, and that’s okay. Maybe you moved somewhere new, like me, and decided it’s better as a short chapter.
I’m someone who loves to have things figured out. I love a list, a plan, and imagining what the future will look like.
But I’ll also be the first to say: even when you think you know what’s best, the universe has a funny way of showing you that maybe the very thing you were running from is what you want most.
For me, that means realizing big city life isn’t for me. I prefer something slower, with a tighter-knit community. But if you’d asked me a couple years ago, I would’ve sworn I was a big city person.
It’s funny how you can have everything you thought you wanted, only to discover it’s not a fit at all.
Turns out, I love having a car, the freedom to go places on my own. And I MISS blasting a new album in my car as a first listen. Honestly, besides live shows, that’s the best way to experience music. If you have that luxury right now, don’t take it for granted.
I have also noticed that my inspiration has taken a hit living in London… maybe because creativity is oversaturated here? I’ve still made work I’m proud of, but when I lived in a smaller place, I had to create my own inspiration. It wasn’t already there, on a plate, ready to be devoured. Also don’t get me started on the imposter syndrome.
Little everyday things sparked me more: quiet, the sound of insects and birds, the wind blowing instead of loud traffic outside my window.
I used to think you had to live in a big city to succeed as a creative. But that’s just not true. Honestly, this Substack community has helped me realize that.
Don’t get me wrong—I’ve met some incredible creatives in London doing seriously cool things. But there’s something magical about people doing big things in smaller places.
I’m starting to see the magic in things not going according to plan. Sometimes it’s fun to start over simply because you can. That’s a luxury I won’t take for granted: experiencing different cultures, traveling so much I eventually crave stillness and familiarity.
I’m looking forward to slowing down, spending time with my best friend and my mom, taking local art classes, shopping the farmers market, finding a tight-knit creative community, and buying a home (!!).
I don’t have a set timeline or hard plans yet, but wow, it feels good to have something to look forward to.
In the meantime, I’ve got some fun trips lined up that are fueling me for now.
And FALL! Or Autumn. Or whatever you like to call this time of year. The cloudy skies and cooler air are so welcome.
You can now contribute to Studio Notes’ growth without strings attached! If you can’t commit to a monthly or annual subscription but would still like to support, you can offer me a symbolic coffee below.
So here’s your reminder: it’s okay if things don’t go according to plan. You’ve got one life. Live it, no matter what it throws at you. There’s always another job, another friend, another lover, another city. What matters is finding stillness and happiness where you are.
Hug your loved ones. Welcome the changes and those little pulls on your heart with open arms.
You’ll find so much peace when you really start listening to yourself.
Until next time,
Bailey
Catch up on recent posts…
Well said. Good luck for your move