The Fridge

I had a really lovely moment of clarity this week when I expected it least and needed it most.

A piece of marketing material came in the mail from a realtor in the area. I thought the piece was well done and as such, it immediately bummed me out. While I am very confident in the work that we do (and we have received mounds of testimonials and referrals, affirming that we do good work for people), marketing ourselves and soliciting business is always an area that I feel inadequate in. I find it inherently awkward and often feel like I don’t know where to start. I read this agent’s mailout and just thought “Fuck. I really should be doing this. Why don’t I just do this.”

I continued to open the mail. The next piece was from Zoe, a friend of mine that has just recently moved out to BC with her husband and son. We regularly mail small cards to each other, filled with the mundane activities of our days. It’s an easy thing to do to keep connected when we feel far apart. This card included some photos of her and the family, which made me a little sad because I miss them but mostly happy because I love them more than I miss them. I grabbed a couple magnets and went to add them to the fridge.

I surveyed the fridge for a prime spot. It’s quite full. Holiday cards from family and friends, a “Thank you” card from a friends wedding last summer, a save the date, a calendar filled with lunch dates and weekends away... Our fridge is it’s own little collage of the people I love and the memories that make my life feel full. I felt incredibly lucky.

Then I looked at the table and saw the marketing pamphlet sitting there. The pamphlet that no part of me thought to add to the fridge. I’ll keep it for reference and inspiration, sure, but not on the fridge.

It’s not that important.