Is there a right way to be happy?

From: The M Dash at M.M.LaFleur - Sunday Apr 02,2023 02:15 pm

M.M.LaFleur, The M Dash.

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Sunday, April 4, 2023

Letter from the Team I lead a charmed life for which I am eternally grateful. But a few years back, I found myself sitting in my therapist’s office, describing what I felt was a deficit of joy in my life. I had a wonderful support network, a career I was passionate about, a safe place to call home. But despite all these riches, my life felt routine—almost flat. Those moments in which I felt pure and ecstatic joy were few and far between. I began making a list of things that brought me that sense of elation: The music of my niece and nephew’s laughter. The no-holds-barred freedom of speeding down the street on a bicycle. Lying on the beach, with the sunshine on my shoulders. The all-encompassing sound of live music. Could I incorporate more of these moments into my daily life?

This week, we’re sharing an exclusive excerpt from best-selling author (and happiness expert) Gretchen Rubin’s upcoming book, Life in Five Senses. In it, Gretchen sings the praises of using all five senses to truly experience life. “For years, I’d been studying human nature and reflecting on how we can build happier lives. Despite all these efforts, I’d started to realize that I felt stuck in my head,” she writes. “I’d been taking it all for granted—the colors, the sounds, the feel of everything around me.” Whereas I had tried to incorporate more joy-making moments in my life, Gretchen learned to see routine moments for what they were: opportunities for celebration.

Of course, life feels grander when we stock it full of moments we know tend to bring us joy. But since that moment in my therapist’s office, I, like Gretchen, have learned that appreciating the moments in between can bring its own kind of contentment. Staying attuned to our senses keeps us rooted in the moment, appreciating it for what it’s worth.

As we shot the campaign for our exquisite new collection, Play by Ear, I tried to do just that. The prints, colors, and textures Miyako used feel like the clothing embodiment of joy dancing across my senses: the feeling of soft linen and crisp poplin on my skin; the mood-enhancing colors; the prints that bounce like a swingy jazz song. The pieces have a clear musicality, and I set out to capture the sense of spontaneity they brought about: what would this music look like?

How could I convey their playfulness in a photo? The resulting campaign is one that I hope you agree is sheer joy: a synesthesia of pattern and form, with plenty of musical instruments and a whole lot of dancing. Peruse our summer lookbook to see the first drop of this inspiring collection for yourself.

(And if you’d like some help putting together your favorite new looks, book a virtual or in-person appointment with one of our talented stylists!)

The Summer ’23 Lookbook. Read More

Outfit Inspiration. Plan your power casual outfit.

The Summer ’23 Lookbook. Read More

Eight Essentials Everyone Should Invest In—for Under $3 a Day. Read More

An Exclusive Excerpt from Life in Five Senses, a New Book from Happiness Expert Gretchen Rubin. Read More.

What We’re Loving Right Now: Michelle Obama on being herself.

Sprucing up our dinner tables with twisty taper candles.

Making funny faces.

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