Dear Creative: Here’s How to Start Living the Perfect Day, Every Day

“Whatever happens tomorrow, or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now… because I love you.” —Bill Murray, Groundhog Day

1. The Summer of Pain

This past summer, I realized that there was something seriously wrong with my fingers. After five years of grinding 24/7 as a freelance web designer and developer, I could barely work two hours without getting stiff and achy.

I cut my hours down, bought fancy ergonomic keyboards, tried a standing desk, and went to physical therapy—but nothing worked.

Multiple doctors’ visits later, I came to the worst possible conclusion…

At 29 years old, I had rheumatoid arthritis.

I was completely fucked.

2. Life Without Touch

It’s hard to imagine what effect restricted use of your fingers has on your quality of life until you experience it first hand. (#funnynotfunny)

My first thought was to cut down on my finger usage by starting a coaching business, but I quickly realized that I would still have to build a brand (market, blog, etc)…and that meant using my fingers.

Next, I thought about giving up on freelance and getting a job, but that meant doing months of research and applying…more finger usage.

From there, I went into a tailspin as it dawned on me how almost EVERYTHING in modern life requires the use of your fingers…

• Social media: fingers
• Writing: fingers
• Drawing: fingers
• Video editing: fingers

3. Discovering the Perfect Day

By November, things were getting dire. I had to give up my biggest client, and there was nothing coming down the pipeline. I was running out of money.

At a networking event, I happened to run into a creative director who had just moved to Rochester from NYC. We hit it off, but when she asked about my portfolio, it suddenly hit me…

I spent the past five years grinding myself to the bone physically and emotionally…but all I had to show for it was some dull…