things-we-learned

6 years ago by

2018 is finally here!!! I couldn’t be more excited because 2017 was, well… a little rough. But it certainly wasn’t without its lessons. And now, as the new year gets underway, there are a lot of things I’m excited to dive into in 2018. You see, this year, instead of making resolutions, we thought it would be interesting to explore thoughts around what 2017 has taught us, and in turn, what we’d like to learn in 2018.

And we’re hoping that you’ll share your thoughts with us too! Because chances are, we are curious about the same things, and your ideas for personal growth and development help shape the stories you see on the site, the events we host for our readers and the retreats we plan in the coming months. We even found some similarities amongst our team, as we reflected together about what we hope to learn in 2018. We thought we’d share a few below as starters, but what we’re really looking forward to is what you have to say in the comments!

Oh, and we’re taking this opportunity to introduce a few new names you haven’t seen here before. Welcome Gabby and Veronica to the team! You’ll get to know them more in the coming weeks, but Gabby just joined us after we met at a community event and is helping us with the day-to-day around the studio. And Veronica, well you already know her (remember this story?) She just started with us on Tuesday as our new Managing Editor!

Ok, so back to what this post is really about…

What We Learned in 2017

Garance : If I had to keep one thing from all the amazing teachings 2017 had for me, it would be to trust my intuition.
Tori: Things can always be worse. I’ve really learned not to dwell on things, but to take them as they are and either move on, find a solution, or nurture it toward a positive direction.
Caitlin: Let people (friends, loved ones, strangers) help you when you need it – it’s OK to be vulnerable.
Brittany: Patience is important.
Mary: Kombucha tops my daily necessity list.
Veronica: Conflating one’s artistic worth with one’s self worth is the worst thing one can do for their art. And themselves.
Pia: Being a dog parent is HARD.
Emily: Family over everything. Even when that’s the hardest thing.
Carie: After living the last 15 years of my life relying on public transport, and now living in LA, I realize I actually hate driving (outside of road trips) and will never be good at parallel parking. Ever.
Gabby: To finally take all the good advice I give to others and apply it to my own life.
Vanessa: I’ve learned that more often than not, my body mistakes thirst for extreme hunger. Unfortunately, I usually resort to the latter.

What We’d Like to Learn in 2018

Vanessa: How to say no more often.
Gabby: How to travel without being connected to social media! An enjoy getting lost while traveling (goodbye google maps!)
Carie: After witnessing how much people have lost this year in natural disasters, I realize how little I need to make me happy and that I can always give more to those in need, be it time or physical things. I’d like to do more of this in 2018 and learn even more about how to get involved in helping others.
Emily: To throw pottery! I think it could become the ultimate relaxation.
Pia: How to save money living in a big city.
Mary: Learn how to block out the noise and outside opinions of others and really focus on how I’m feeling and what I truly want!
Brittany: How to spend less time on my phone.
Caitlin: The art of hosting a long, drawn out dinner party without needing to clean incessantly.
Veronica: How to do a handstand. I’m irrationally terrified of them.
Tori: Another language. Maybe Italian?!
Garance: Ok, there are many things. Here are three of them. One, to be truly me. Two, I want to learn Tarot (yep!). Three, I want to save the planet. Or at least do one thing everyday to do so. Mother Earth needs us!

But seriously, we’d love to hear what you’ve learned, what you’re learning, and what you’d love to see from us in the upcoming year!

27 comments

Add yours
  • Sunny Side January, 5 2018, 9:56 / Reply

    En vrac, à l’envers et à l’endroit, euh Emily la famille n’est pas ce qui compte le plus pour moi, parfois çà plombe gravement ! Emily vider un vaisselier ne m’a pas soulagée, vider le frigo et tout donner au chien, cà aide un peu plus ! Suis-je encore assez fréquentable pour commenter sur ce blog ??? Plus sérieusement ce que j’ai appris cette année c’est de ne plus être “gentille”alors que j’ai envie de dire “enough is enough” ! De découvrir encore et encore mes ami(es) magnifiques. En 2018 encore plus de Tai Chi, d’épure et de rires ! Garance je ne sais pas comment on peut lutter contre ces lobbies qui nous empoisonnent et polluent l’eau et affament une partie de la terre. N’achetons plus la nourriture industrielle, encourageons et sauve-gardons le savoir faire des artisans, éduquons les femmes pour qu’elles puissent se défendre, lire/écrire est basique, créons plus de micro crédit pour qu’elles puissent survivre et produire. Le film “Demain” de Mélanie Laurent devrait être projeté dans chaque école, chaque mairie. Qu’il y ait d’autres films de cette qualité, d’autres voix/voies qui s’élèvent ! J’adore aussi JR, ce qu’il fait avec son équipe. Il n’y a plus de temps à perdre, l’urgence est à l’ordre du jour !

  • Mercedes January, 5 2018, 9:59 / Reply

    Learnt last year from the loss of my father: life is now, not tomorrow, not the next month. Let’s do it now!
    Would like this year: conquer fears, be braver, be more comfortable with the uncomfortable.
    Would like from you: keep sharing stories about creativity and entrepreneurs, and personal stories of the team, on the snoopy side I would love to peek into Garance’s house!!! ?
    Much love to all of you in 2018!
    Mercedes
    @maisoncorazon

  • Here’s what I learned: When faced with overwhelmingly big/bad challenges and we feel like the world is going to end, it is important to put things into perspective and remember that WE CAN ALWAYS DO SOMETHING TO CHANGE THINGS. We often end up finding a better solution in the end.
    Here’s what I would like to learn in 2018: Figure out how to have a better work/life balance while keeping momentum and effectiveness in my work and for my team.

  • Mary Scoulas January, 5 2018, 11:28 / Reply

    Question, not a comment. I like the “rose-ish” color of your new logo. What color are you calling it?

  • 2017 was rough but also an education. I had to break up with a longtime friend but I gained two amazing support systems in two incredibly strong women I met at work. The ending of the friendship really shook me – not just emotionally but I questioned my worth in my job and in life because of that breakup. Immediately after, two other colleagues started to harass me as well. My new friends were able to talk sense and peace into me, imbue me with enough self-esteem to carry my head high and brace myself for future bumps in the road. I learned to not let the words and actions of others drag me down as much as they used to, and that their reactions had more to do with them than with me. In my romantic relationship, my first real romantic relationship with an amazingly kind and generous man, we had our ups and downs. I was able, with my support system, to stand my ground and talk him into at least the idea of getting help of his own. We survived, and it’s better, and I don’t know the same problems will crop up for us again in the future, but I know what I want for us, for myself, and what I expect of out him. More importantly, I know for sure this is the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. He has a gem of a soul and that is what matters most. I suppose I’m learning to navigate life and love with all its attendant ebbs and flows. From the Atelier, I’d love to see more workshops in the future! I was unable to attend the one held in November but I am looking forward to possibly meeting your incredible team one day! Happy New Year!

  • I had a very rough 2017 , what I learned was mindfulness and how to start using it . This has helped me deal with anxiety. What I wish for 2018 is to apply more mindful lessons to daily life . I want you to address more gender exclusive writing . Being this odd eccentric gay male who often identifies with my female side , I think you sometimes miss an untapped audience. Happy New Year All
    Jandrew
    Dress The Part
    http://www.jandrewspeaks.com

  • 2017 was definitely a year to re-evaluate everything within and around me. I’m working on being in the present moment and trusting my intuition. I’m devoting more time to my art and taking my business in a new diretion.

    I would love to hear everyone’s perspective on working on 2 coasts. It would be interesting to see your perspective on the plus and minuses.

    @Garance. Look at Colette Baron Reid for positive Tarot cards and information. She’s wonderful.
    @Carie Ha- Parallel parking does get easier. Use that side mirror, it really helps.

    Let’s be more helpful and positive in 2018. Working together is way better then flying solo.

  • Where is Brie?

  • Hi James,
    Brie now works with us on a freelance basis!
    x Emily

  • Sonya Shaw January, 5 2018, 11:14 / Reply

    On May 24th, 2017, I had a Heart Attack. On that day, I saw the best and the worst of the human condition, from a family member who refused to take me to the hospital, who thought I was faking my condition to the care, kindness, compassion and yes love that I received from the medical staff at North Shore LIJ , in Deer Park, New York .I have learnt in 2017, to live life to the fullest with love, kindness and compassion. and to greet every sunrise and every human being as the gift they really are. I am no longer afraid to die as I LIVE LIFE embracing every moment I am blessed with.

  • Hello to everyone and a happy 2018 to you too!
    2017 has been a difficult year…. my dad being sick from cancer, my husband losing his job, my country (Greece) still in serious dept and myself in agony……
    Against all odds, I found myself having an inner strength that actually surprised me. Where did that come from..? I believe that it was from the centre of my existence: my intuition.
    So what I’ve learned in the past year was to trust myself and surround that trust with faith, positive thinking and constant belief that we have something to learn from each difficulty.
    Therefor, I’m looking forward to 2018, which I believe it will be an amazing year where we can all harvest our new self based on the seeds that life has implanted the year before!
    Happiness and joy to all of you!, xxx

  • Oi, 2017 was rough. My first year living in a completely new city after leaving NYC. New start sans people I know and a job seemed exciting at first, but it became hard months later. But, I survived and perhaps thrived a bit. Only real difficulty were the two romantic relationships I was involved in in 2017. I have learned that perhaps it’s my confused and lost state this past year that attracted these two men. They too are lost and confused in different ways and I can’t be the one to “save” them or distract them from their lives. This year and from now on, it’s all about self-focus and self-improvement so I can be happier. If I happen to meet someone more like-minded in that way, it’ll be a nice bonus to my life.

  • Anonymous2 January, 6 2018, 10:19 / Reply

    Garance! My friend just did a tarot reading for me. It was amazing and I am totally hooked. I bought the very same deck she used. Long live introspection.
    -Katey

  • Mariateresa January, 7 2018, 1:12 / Reply

    I learned that is very difficult to live without: without mother, since february, the seven, 2016, without my dog, the 23 february 2017, without my cat, 15 may 2017, without…is very very sad and hard but I hope in the journeys into the time, if time is a convention…we’ll travel trhough the time and I’ll come back to my beloved parents…sigh!

  • Garance, je trouve excellente ton idée de vouloir faire bouger les choses en matière d’écologie ! Selon moi, ton blog devrait être plus en accord avec les valeurs qui sont les tiennes aujourd’hui. Quand je lis tes articles, j’ai bien l’impression que tu te détaches de plus en plus du matérialisme, mais cela n’est guère reflété dans le reste du blog et je suis parfois mal à l’aise avec ce décalage. On est d’accord pour dire que la société de consommation nous rend malade, que ce ne sont pas les biens matériels qui comptent ! Mais ce n’est pas une raison non plus pour abandonner le beau ! Je trouve à cet égard que Marie Cochard, éco et slow journaliste (@lacabaneantigaspi) est très inspirante tant dans son discours que dans ce qu’elle fait. Je serais heureuse de découvrir davantage de portraits dans les domaines du zéro déchêt, des circuits courts (La Ruche qui dit oui p. ex. en France), de l’artisanat, etc mais aussi bien sûr dans le domaine de l’habillement éthique et bio. Les initiatives, en tout cas en France, sont multiples, ce serait formidable qu’atelier doré en soit le relai.
    Un message de gratitude à l’adresse de Garance maintenant : je te suis depuis tant d’années et je ne serais pas la personne que je suis devenue sans toi. Mon épanouissement personnel s’inspire du tien. Merci infiniment pour cela !!

  • I’ve learned that most people hold their personal ego and believes over facts, or simply asking what would really be needed. this applies to big things (like national/international politics) and very small things. it’s endlessly frustrating. In 2018 I want to learn to take humans as they are and not be endlessly frustrated. From Atelier Doré, I would love to see more “experience” and less fashion. I loved your interviews and pieces about what people dod, where they come from, what they believe and so on. I would also love to read bout beauty (I love to reda about peoples routines), health and even sustainable fashion. How to build a wardrobe without follwing trends. Or how to follow trends in a sustainable way. I love your work!

  • Garance, je trouve excellente ton idée de vouloir faire bouger les choses en matière d’écologie ! Selon moi, ton blog devrait être plus en accord avec les valeurs qui sont les tiennes aujourd’hui. Quand je lis tes articles, j’ai bien l’impression que tu te détaches de plus en plus du matérialisme, mais cela n’est guère reflété dans le reste du blog et je suis parfois mal à l’aise avec ce décalage. On est d’accord pour dire que la société de consommation nous rend malade, que ce ne sont pas les biens matériels qui comptent ! Mais ce n’est pas une raison non plus pour abandonner le beau ! Je trouve à cet égard que Marie Cochard, éco et slow journaliste (@lacabaneantigaspi) est très inspirante tant dans son discours que dans ce qu’elle fait. Je serais heureuse de découvrir davantage de portraits dans les domaines du zéro déchêt, des circuits courts (La Ruche qui dit oui p. ex. en France), de l’artisanat, etc mais aussi bien sûr dans le domaine de l’habillement éthique et bio. Les initiatives, en tout cas en France, sont multiples, ce serait formidable qu’atelier doré en soit le relai.
    Un message de gratitude à l’adresse de Garance maintenant : je te suis depuis tant d’années et je ne serais pas la personne que je suis devenue sans toi. Mon épanouissement personnel s’inspire du tien. Merci infiniment pour cela !!

  • Ce que j’ai appris en 2017:
    – Parfois, et même si c’est très douloureux à accepter et à faire, sortir des gens de sa vie qui en faisaient partie depuis des années, des relations qui étaient plus douloureuses qu’heureuses, et se rendre compte qu’en fait on est beaucoup mieux sans eux.
    – Que l’on est le seul acteur de sa propre vie et qu’il n’y a que nous qui pouvons la changer.

    Ce que j’aimerais apprendre en 2018:
    – Apprendre à avoir confiance en moi (pas sure qu’un an suffise!)

    Belle année à vous!

  • Happy New Year! I love this time of the year and the blank palette we get to create our future with. My intentions and goals are to be more present and spend more time in nature. I am actually taking a big leap of faith and cutting my work hours to part-time so I can grow my self-care brand Luxe Odette.

    xo
    krysia
    http://www.luxeodette.com/

  • Dear Atelier team, first of all, thank you for all your work. This website is a real vacation and constant source of inspiration for me and has been for many years. Among other things I noticed you’ve been doing an effort to feature more diversity in the past few months and I litterally clap every time I see it and would love to see more, more diversity in body shapes would be very cool too.
    2 things in terms of ecology. For fashion content, I would be super interested in stories where one of your fantastic stylists helps a woman (who doesn’t work in fashion) clean out her closet and come up with outfits that really fit her life, body and style using a mix of clothes she already has with one or two strong investment pieces. I know there’s some of that on reality shows (actually I’m just assuming since I don’t have TV) but I would like to see how your editorial eye approaches this.
    In terms of making general progress in the department of ecology, I would highly, highly, highly encourage anyone to take an introduction to Permaculture for two days or 2 weeks. It’s so important to get a big picture and really understand the stakes to make meaningful changes and live more consciously. I’ll take the example of planes and travel: this is one of the hardest things for me since my family and friends live all over the world, but I’ve cut down A LOT on plane travel since it’s literally one of the worst things you can do for the environment (yes, even if you’re perfect in every other department, you take one overseas plane ride a year and you’ve basically undone every effort you’ve made). I’m not throwing a stone at anyone, just trying to find solutions and ideas together.
    So here are my two cents. Good luck with everything and happy new year to all!

  • delphine January, 9 2018, 11:47 / Reply

    You speak about the team but you never mention when someone is leaving.. I have not seen a picture of Erik from months! (a year maybe?) Though he was super good ! What about Brie?
    Is it what you are referring to Emily when you said you are happy 2017 is over?
    For us, following you every day, I feel like it is important too to know when the team changes..
    xo

  • Hi Delphine,
    That’s actually not what I meant! I’ve had a trying year on a personal level and feel relief to be starting a fresh year with some fresh perspective.

    As for the team, we will always continue to evolve and change who is working with us–sometimes it is welcome, and other times it is not. As with any company, staffing changes are not something we make public on the site as they are more private matters and we respect all of our employees, both former and present.
    Erik left us over a year ago to pursue his work as a photographer and still freelances with us from time to time; and Brie is also working as a freelance stylist, again still contributing to the site. I encourage you to keep up with their work through social media! We love them dearly and are very proud of the work they’re doing.

    x Emily

  • What I learned this year:
    – I’m better off single than dating a man who believes I’m a bit too curvy to be the woman of his life
    – It’s not because you won’t marry someone that you can’t enjoy dating them
    – True and sincere friends are a remedy to most things in life
    – And I will never be a skateboarder.

    Things I hope to learn (or progress in) in 2018:
    – I don’t need “people’s” approval to do the things I want to do
    – Travel on my very own
    – Become flexitarian (eat less meat, better meat and more organic food)
    – How to be a happy “adult” once I graduate (hopefully) in June

    I wish you the best for 2018!

  • Yes, please! More focus on sustainability and being kind to mother Earth! We need to make a change together and we need to do it now! So let’s eat more plant based, fresh and locally grown food (urban farming anyone?). Let’s create vertical gardens in our cities. Let’s buy less stuff, including less beauty products and clothes (as far as I’m concerned the beauty minute thing can go, sorry!) and let’s travel in a way that is more environmentally friendly. This blog is very inspirational and reaches a lot of (mostly) women all over the world. I would love it, if it could be one of the forces that helps in transforming our world dominated by capitalism and consumerism into one where we have a circular economy, more equality and live more in harmony with nature.

    P.S. Love the blog! And also yes to tarot : ). A very lovely deck is the Inner Child Cards.
    P.S. Anyone interested in an alternative for capitalism, read Kate Raworths ‘Doughnut economics’.

  • @Garance: I definitely share your desire to save the planet :)
    Something you could do once in a while is to plant a tree online.
    You could be interested by a French website that will allow you to choose the country where you want to plant your tree, and follow all the good it will do to Mother Earth :)
    It’s called “Reforest’Action”
    Here it is: https://www.reforestaction.com/
    Happy New Year to all the Atelier team & thank you so much for your work!

  • Anastasia January, 15 2018, 2:44 / Reply

    Happy New Year Ladies!

    For Gabby who wants to travel, a book: A Field Guide To Getting Lost, by Rebecca Solnit

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