FOLD AND FRAY// When to Jump and When to Slow

I’m excited to finally announce what I’ve been working on. I have been creating Fold and Fray, an online shop selling gently-used modern and vintage apparel. There will be more details soon, but for now some of the first collection can be previewed on Instagram @foldandfray, and you can sign up at www.foldandfray.com to be notified about opening.

While working on this project, I’ve had the privilege to rewrite my relationship with overworking hustling culture. We’re often encouraged to be busy, to hustle, grind and push, to get things done despite any cost, and then rewarded or praised for this behaviour. But this isn’t always effective or healthy. It’s not necessarily productive and it definitely isn't sustainable or holistic. We’re in environmental and humanitarian crises because of some of these values. Using strategies that have proven to be toxic to get a “sustainable” business off the ground, is not sustainable. The journey cannot be separated from the end point.

Sometimes you have to take the leap; launch, do, or say the thing. Push through despite fear or not feeling ready, because with some things you might never be ready. Often we postpone and resist what our heart knows or wants because of fear. And the only way through is to jump with fear holding your hand.

But there are also times we deeply need to slow.

Like the tortoise and the hare. If you want to be accountable and responsible for your impact, what you’re creating might need more time and that’s just how it is. Especially with innovation and creativity. Ideas need to incubate; your mind and heart needs space; you might actually have to grow into the person required to carry out a certain vision, idea or relationship. Despite felt urgency, taking confident steady steps can be one of the most powerful ways to sustain, innovate and thrive.

The idea for Fold and Fray came to me over a year ago. I can honestly say that I needed the past year to unfold as it did to learn what I needed. The experience of growing Fold and Fray has taught me that slow progress is ok. That steadiness is important. And when you mold something it also molds you.