Image via.
Over the weekend, I picked up a memoir written by one of my father-in-law’s best friends, Terrell Tannen. In it, Mr. Tannen explores the challenges and successes of his career as a highly-paid Hollywood screenwriter and specifically examines fame in all its corrosive and rewarding qualities. I am less than a quarter of the way in, but I love the nimble way he writes and find his crisp insights applicable even to someone far afield of his line of work.
One of his lines leapt out at me. He’s talking about a brief stint during which he wrote obituaries for celebrated scientists in a major scientific periodical, and how, as a part of his reconnaissance, he’d interview peers and partners of the deceased. He explains that it was often difficult to get off the phone because many of the interviewees were passionate about the field, and aware that the interview might earn them billing in an important publication. He ends with: “But it was good trouble.”
Good trouble!
Landon and I often talk about this concept in different terms. When we are complaining about interruptions, inconveniences, and challenges, sometimes we’ll take a step back and realize that our “troubles” are in fact signals of growth, or wellness. Just a few weeks ago, I saw someone on Instagram (I think it was Caroline Chambers) write: “You know you’ve made it when the Instagram trolls come for you.” Ha!
But there it is — “good trouble.”
And then there is the other flavor of “good trouble” — the irrational things you do for love. One college summer early into our relationship, Landon was waiting tables at a pizza restaurant in Arlington, VA, and he would finish his shift at 11 or 11:30 at night and then drive 20 minutes to my parents’ home in N.W. DC. We would spend maybe thirty drowsy minutes together before he’d drive home. I remember him saying, “it’s no trouble at all,” but of course it was. It was good trouble. To be so in love you’d drive forty punishing minutes at the end of a long, physical shift of work for a kiss and conversation? Yes, good trouble.
A few other examples of “good trouble”:
Having to replace running shoes because the treads are low (or any fitness gear worn out by heavy use)
Staying up until two a.m. because you can’t put your book down
Selling out of something you’ve made
Losing track of time while creating or talking to a good friend
Discovering you’re the bottleneck and that you need to hire someone to handle something instead
Being told to “keep it down” because you’re laughing too loudly
Internet trolls (you know you’ve made it when…)
Paying a late fee or cancellation fee because you prioritized something important over something scheduled
Feedback (always a gift)
A messy kitchen counter (evidence of a full, thriving household)
Inventing problems just to spend time with someone you like
Needing to upgrade your plan from “basic” to “pro”
Running late because you waited for your child to do something on his own
Releasing version 2.0
Anything you love that takes up more space than the world wants to make for it
What else would you add to this list? What other kinds of good trouble have you gotten into?
Post-Scripts.
+How to fill your cup in an under an hour.
+How do you make your mornings easier?
Shopping Break.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
+I’m in love with Lake’s new spring arrivals. I can’t help it – I’m addicted – but the prints are so pretty and auspicious. I picked this pima set specifically because the pattern reminded me of one of my favorite “happy corners” of my home – seen below (I was wearing my new Doen skirt, look for less here, and Birks!). I also love the pattern on this robe (in the French blue color option) and might order it, too.
+Elemis gave us a 20% off code — use JEN20. Great way to save on our favorite nighttime ritual: this cleansing balm. I’m actually currently using the fig version of their cleansing balm and really enjoy it, too. When I was using it last night, I thought to myself: if I were to come up with a list of “little things that make life better,” this would be on it. It is truly such a relaxing, nourishing part of my unwind process at the end of the day.
+Love these under-$200 flats, which remind me a lot of styles from higher end brands like Le Monde Beryl.
+Sweetest $15 swimsuit for your little lady.
+Chic raffia and leather tote.
+Fun transition-to-spring jacket. Also love their gingham rain jacket!
+Don’t ask me why, but I love buying new pens and highlighters. Just got these.
+Love the look of this classic outdoor chaise (at a great price).
+Zimmermann magic.
+Speaking of, The Outnet often has a really great collection of discounted Zimmermann. See here (pair with a simple white tee and leather sandal), here, and here!
+Always a classic. I have several of these in different sizes and use them constantly for toting packages, kids gear, books, etc! Get them personalized with a funny nickname, slogan, or initials.
+This top reminds me of the Zara ecru macrame jacket I bought last season and have already pulled out again this year, but much better-quality. You can style this as a jacket over a tank, or as a top in its own right. Super elegant and versatile.
Leave A Reply