Entropy is defined as the measure of a system’s thermal energy or unit temperature that is unavailable for doing useful work, often interpreted as the degree of disorder or randomness in the system.
For someone like me, this could be a pretty confusing definition. I prefer the 2nd definition: Lack of order or predictability; gradual decline into disorder.
You might be wondering what on earth entropy has to do with creating, and doll making specifically. In the last few years, a lot has been written about “creating the life you love”, “think it and you can make it” or “be all you can be”. And let’s not forget the ever-present vision board workshops. Whole industries have been created using these simple slogans and practices and for many people, these programs have literally changed their lives. And, of course, if you work the program you will gain some benefit from it even if it doesn’t change your life.
So, what does this have to do with entropy and more to the point doll-making?
Back in the day, before the Internet and Zoom, if we wanted to up our game or just do something worthwhile for ourselves, we had to really commit to the experience by arranging our lives around attending an in-person event and having the wherewithal to pay for the event and everything associated with the event. Once the money was spent, we were determined to get something out of this event/workshop/class, etc. In other words, we were probably investing resources that were not readily available with the hope that the workshop/class/event would lead to better opportunities for relations/income/creative expression. I would get writer’s cramp from taking so many notes, afraid I’d miss some crucial tidbit of information. I was determined to incorporate whatever I learned into my daily life and just knew I would, very soon, be at that happy place I’d envisioned for myself. Maybe a week or two would go by and I’d still be hooked into the energy from the event, but eventually, it would fade and not too surprising, I’d be somewhere close to where I was before I’d committed to attend the event in the first place. But now I had “swag” and overpriced “tools” were now in the same place all the other inspiring materials ended up—closet or shelf.
My favorite ones were those on how to organize your life and free yourself from the burden of your stuff. The weekends and the supplies of boxes and bags clearing out closets, garages, sewing rooms, and bookshelves held such promise. I told myself I would be frugal and enjoy the empty spaces that promised freedom. just to start filling the void with similar things. How many how-to or cookbooks do you really need if your social life is Zoom and Facebook Live?
Because of the work I do in my day job and online coursework, I spend a great deal of time on my computer. And like many people who do the same, I find it incredibly easy to shop online, enroll in workshops online, and have everything delivered to my front door or to my e-mail.
If you enjoy doing projects or need assistance with fixing something like replacing your car headlight, you probably enjoy watching a variety of YouTube how-to videos. And I’d go so far as to say you checked out the links to additional resources below the video and purchased one or two items. These distractions reduce your ability to focus on the work at hand (writing this blog for instance) reducing your level of output and creating a general feeling of disorganization. This, more than likely, spills out into your living space as well. Too many projects going on at the same time. Too many ideas for something else, which of course needs material you don’t have readily at hand. And on and on it goes.
I admire those who have seemingly successfully managed to keep order and predictability as a priority in accomplishing their goals, whether it’s finally finishing that project that had been waiting in the wings for a few years or sustaining a vegan lifestyle. As part of my admiration for their discipline and dogged determination, I also must acknowledge to myself that I am not a lesser person for not incorporating the same discipline of mind and that living in my chaos I accept this is part of who I am and stop punishing myself for not being someone else. I am more aware today of my limitations and copying skills than I was only a few years ago and more times than not I am more willing to just let go of what I’ve lost control of and move on.
Like all things, entropy will eventually get us all in the end.
