making space for boredom

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Frequently Asked Questions:
😇 How old are you? 22
📝 What are you studying? I just finished studying English Literature at the University of Exeter. But we are students for life, and I hope that I will continue learning even though I am out of structured education.
📚What are your favourite books? • 200 book recommendatio...
📝 Have you written a book? My life goal is to be a published author and make a living from writing and I am using this year to gain experience, build up a portfolio and work on a book with my agent. I have just finished the final draft of that book, as you can see in this video. I did self-publish a book about bullying when I was seventeen which is available on Amazon (amzn.to/3mdJKLm), but I'm slightly embarrassed by it now!
🎃 Do you have merch? I don't have merch in the traditional sense (I can't imagine selling something with my face or name on haha!), but I do have a stationery company where I sell planners for students. These are all designed with students in mind and follow models which I've used when planning my studying. Our products are printed in pastel colours on recycled paper: bit.ly/3wgsR85
Notion Page with templates, discount codes and space to leave feedback: www.notion.so/The-Granger-Lif...
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🍵 Fortnums Yellow Buds (my favourite 'fancy' tea): bit.ly/34eqtVb
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🍵 any kind of chocolate tea 🙈

[@nonefvnfvnjnjnjevjenjvonej3384]

I am much older at 32 yrs old but I am only now discovering how to be responsible and kind and have goals and work towards them. Your videos are a guiding light towards that.

[@jalisasmith1000]

I’m 34 (12th of this month) and married. Still haven’t figured out adulting yet. Aiming for my goals though.

[@eyulala4893]

I'm 31😁 I've been watching Ruby's vlog for years and l love it.

[@BamBabyBrenda]

It's never too late

[@simplykaley4540]

32 and she inspires me so much!

[@janninecarter6970]

I'm 38 lol still watching Ruby

[@monicapresson7136]

14:44 Ruby, I just found your videos in my thread about two weeks ago. I’m 48, just retired from my job after 30 years. I have found a new peace within me since viewing your work. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all. Especially the lost souls that need direction. My new chapter in life (my send wind) I’m not sure what I want to do but your passion is generating other doors in my life that were closed for so long. Thank you ❤

[@wereallwallflowers]

The frost sparkling in the candlelight is absolutely gorgeous

[@RubyGranger8]

Completely agree!

[@mariannamilne9062]

when sewing you should sew it inside out and then flip it so you wouldnt have any loose threads

[@rosabutcher5092]

I’m surprised none of the tutorials mentioned leaving a seam allowance and sewing it inside out to get a nice clean finish, would look lovely

[@annahuisjes3355]

Clipping the edges before flipping it inside out (especially where rounded) also helps loads with the flexibility of the garments the smoothness of the shape.

[@kennedie7031]

12:12 I feel you raised an interesting point about the fact that the majority of us spend much more time consuming things other people have made than creating anything ourselves

[@Heyu7her3]

Doesn't bother me 😂

[@limeparticle]

I haven’t done much sewing, but it usually goes better if you first sketch out and cut out the pattern on paper and then iron the fabric you’re going to use and trace the pattern onto that. Freehanding it seldom looks very nice.

[@harley8973]

peak tory energy

[@Jo2878]

How so? I'm genuinely curious*

[@lina5699]

The shot of you in complete darkness with only the table and candles lit is so cinematic

[@ellishayes2128]

The burning of the poem reminds me a lot of Taika Watiti’s (screenplay writer, director etc) writing process, which is to write a script in its entirety, read it all through then bin it. Then re-writes it from the beginning with everything he remembers. I love the process of creating something, then refining it from memory. I realise the sentiment is different from burning completely and letting it go, but I think both processes similarly invoke the same idea of creating something.

[@Cynthia-uf9ro]

It also makes me think of sand mandalas in Buddhism, that are created painstakingly and then dispersed, to signify impermanence.

[@nonefvnfvnjnjnjevjenjvonej3384]

Someone said reading is about polishing your sensibilities rather than remembering everything you read. So these days I stopped taking notes while reading. Our memory is a powerful filter.

[@Heyu7her3]

HELL NO.

[@diamondslashranch]

I’m very glad you have discovered this now. It took me too long to understand that I need to give myself the time to be creative. If you let it there is always something more important. Life is too short not to give yourself the time to experience everything that lives in your heart and mind.

[@jesselynindia5551]

just want to say that i’m watching this at 2:30am after a student night out whilst waiting for my (vegan) sausage roll to cook as a reminder that you can love ruby’s content and all of these vibes whilst doing things that seem to contradict it :)

[@Jesusisthetruth2]

You are so lucky to have all that beautiful scenery around you. Its a headstart as far as having a productive day goes. All that inspiration and wonder on your doorstep.! Amazing

[@actgirl1234567]

❤ I just started rewatching some of your older videos just to try to keep calm, as your style and just personality are genuine and just soothing if that makes any sense 😂 anyway, this was a lovely one too.

[@lesliegraham8478]

This is definitely one of your best videos to date. Your filming also is maturing nicely. Always a cozy way to start the day watching your content. Thank you.

[@larrymilliken288]

You always inspire me with new ideas and thoughts that challenge my comfort zone. Thank you for reminding me the necessity and enjoyment of the “process” is spoiled by chasing the goal.

[@lyra3517]

I admire your courage and boldness of sitting outside in the pitch black and freezing cold! Also the frost on the table being illuminated by the candles was really beautiful, looked like the stars were being reflected in the table 🤍✨

[@bluumz-n-veg]

Such wonderful advice to sometimes CHOSE to not be productive! We all need time to occasionally decompress without feeling the pressure of meeting goals, be they personal or professional.

[@emilytaylor1244]

Loved this video. Actually touches on something I’ve been thinking about recently. Making time to slow down and do less so that what we do is more worthwhile. Thank you for putting this video out into the world!

[@alicetaylorsversion13]

Ruby, this was truly a stunning video and one of my favourites you've ever done. It is so beautifully filmed, and has such a lovely sentiment, with the beautiful music adding so perfectly to the theme. Although over the next few days I have a schedule full of work for my subjects and various other school projects, I will attempt to embrace this creativity into my own life, and savour the process of research and revision in itself without the focus on the end goal. Thank you as always for being so inspirational! ❤

[@LuoBinghe]

Thank you for making this video, Ruby! The results of my university entrance exams come out in about 16 days and I'd been fretting over them for a month now, so being reminded to take time for myself and go write or make art without pressure is incredibly helpful.

[@Oliver389]

Can we appreciate how aesthetic the intro is ❤

[@liredelis]

I always feel so inspired and comforted by your videos!Thank you Ruby for these beautifully and cozy filmed content🎞🤎

[@doris_1325]

I don't think I could sit in the darkness outside, because my mind would not quiet down. It would continuously tell me something wicked is about to jump out at me from the darkness. 😃😂 That's how creative it is! ☺

[@lupeibarra6786]

ruby i absolutely love all of your videos, but this one especially changed my mindset. Love your advice and keep doing you, wishing you all the best

[@therapturedmichelle]

I really wish I had a space and time to write, but I grew up in extreme circumstances and have had to work minimum wage jobs to support myself my entire life, from childhood. I hope one day I'll have the time and space to write. I'm so tired after my work so I don't even have energy. It's so expensive to pay for even just a small room, not talking about a house.

[@smr710]

You have such a beautifully creative mind. I was about to write that I am in my early/mid-thirties and find your videos so inspiring. I scrolled down and saw two comments from people who are "older" expressing similar thoughts and feelings. I'm so glad I've found your channel.

[@Juldevivre]

Aww your videos just get better and better 🤍 Love your content Ruby!!!

[@bellahewish9955]

ruby everytime you post i do a little happy dance because your the only person who motivates me to keep being productive,i love your content and i always do something special when you post like now im going to make myself a cup of tea and a digestive cuddled up in a blanket while watching this video keep up the hard work

[@Cynthia-uf9ro]

"I feel that the balance between consumption and creation has become massively skewed." My thoughts exactly. I have been thinking about this a lot recently, although I see it as a balance between activity and passivity. To the point that now I am becoming conscious of how much time I spend passively and how much I spend actively.

[@sitka0516]

loved this video! i think it put words to something i’ve been thinking about a lot lately, but didn’t know how to express. it also made me grateful for cello, because even though i’ve been playing for three years now it feels new every time i play. it’s one of the things i consistently value the process of over the outcome, especially because music is less tangible. the process IS the outcome (except i guess in a recording but that’s different!).

[@demiku604]

I love the little add on in the end! At the moment I’m learning how to stop being productive without feeling guilty about it, so this was a sweet little reminder. Thanks!

[@janwabibasumallick5645]

I love this kind of videos where you share your work, thoughts in a cozy way.... I love this so much....

[@carolynmarshall1968]

Just love your vlogs so gentle and inspiring x

[@elizabethwall8063]

I love what you say here: "We have so much access to content, and we can access content so easily, that I feel that the balance between consumption and creation has become massively skewed. We need to make more of a conscious effort if we want to create something. It's not the default." This is so true! So many more people now do nothing but consume content (most of which is mindless), and they can't figure out why they feel unfulfilled. As Julia Cameron writes in The Artist's Way, "Creativity is the natural order of life....There is an underlying, in-dwelling creative force infusing all of life--including ourselves."

[@DrQuizzler]

Way to go, with the painting, sewing and crafting!! Those are all GREAT ways to unwind!! I'm right there with you, placing process over product, especially when I create "art?". I enjoy your videos so much more now that you're not constantly racing here or there, and btw, shout-out to Maestro Smetana!! Nice use of his music!! :)

[@delrevesines]

I used to be a really creative child with an impresive inner world and imagination. Now I'm 26, artist, and I feel all of that is allmost gone. I thought It was because now I have way more stress and things to be worry about but lately I have been thinking that It's actually more link with the fact that before I didn't felt guilty for 'not being productive/do nothing'. I don't remember what boredom feels like anymore but I'm also incapable of fantasize as I did and I have less ideas. Of course, that's the reason. Creativity needs free time and ideas space to arrive. I still don't know how to manage but I wish I can make more space to do nothing. Great video Ruby!

[@melodygu3art]

I love this concept! With work and a million other things going on it's hard to be creative, but the idea of letting yourself become bored is one I'm working on this year. I want the child-like wonder of not knowing what to do and finding something to create

[@HFTLH]

Whatever sewing I have done over the years was almost all self-taught with tidbits from books and tutorials, and the rest out of my imagination....I never felt I was very good at it. But two years ago I was able to make an entire Outlander halloween costume. I altered thrifted items....turned a jacket into a fitted vest with front lacing and trim, altered a shirt to look like a shift and bought an entire bolt of flannel for the skirt. It wasn't perfect, but it looked great, and it showed me that I had learned a lot more over the years than I realized. So I think your collar is perfect because like you said, it's the process that counts more than the finished result. If you keep doing little sewing projects when you feel inspired and can set apart a bit of time, years from now you will find how much it pays off!

[@cry-baby-lily]

loved this video soooo much Ruby! inspiring but in an almost relaxed and chilled sense, I cant describe it but I know its just what I needed after my first week back at uni. love ya lots, cant wait to see more!

[@thenoobalmighty8790]

First week back at uni???

[@13o436]

Writing outside so early in the morning seems like such a lovely and inspiring thing to do. It seems a perfect environment to just write and not think too much about what you are writing about!!

[@lellymills]

Or what rodents might be running around your feet. Chickens = rats.

[@alandaevans504]

Thank you Ruby! I am so grateful for finding you randomly two years ago!

[@jisoo10007]

Be happy always you and all viewers those who are watching 😊

[@lellymills]

And you too. 😘

[@bryanbearsley8314]

you have so many goals ruby. i am so happy for you ❤

[@zaftra]

Pointed this out on this channel a few years ago, you can be productive just doing nothing and chilling, it's just a different recharging the batteries productivity.

[@annag8448]

I love that you're venturing into sewing! It can be such a rewarding hobby, the loose threads at the edges are easily solved if you either sew 2 layers together and then turn the fabric inside out, or double-fold the fabric in on itself and then sew it, depending on it you want your stitching visible or not. But it is such a great attempt and I highly encourage you to try sewing more!

[@taliw7736]

I really agree to take time and even if uninspired let ideas come to you instead of searching for inspiration always. Lovely , well said

[@mariamahmed9472]

Absolutely adore your videos! ❤️

[@PumpkinMozie]

Ruby’s videos always make me feel positive and inspired 😊

[@mailauritsen4968]

Ruby I love all of your videoes! I want to have a productive, fun, cozy and relaxing week! A mixture of both productivity and relaxation. :D

[@lizzy8399]

hey ruby i love how your videos are all so meaningful and make an impact❤️

[@adrianabalic6553]

I was wondering how you choose the topics you have been learning more about for fun and what you use as sources for your research... I love this idea, being a new mom and finished with my academic life. I love to learn and want to continue.

[@Sophia-cd2ci]

This was so beautiful, calming inspiring, and helpful. Thank you so much for sharing : )

[@kawaiiida]

Tehnically you still have to do this for a few more days but without the camera since you were filming instead of doing nothing haha ❤ I am a master of doing nothing, personally. And when I get bored of it I get energy to put my creativity in photography and self portraits. I'm always I'm amazed how my creativity emerges to make me feel alive again. I used to live for a bit on an island without power, so not having to do anything made me create really good imagination. I've been trying to write every day and use it in typing out my daydreams 😁

[@vt1527]

I´m also currently reading the Brother Karamzov albeit in a german translation and I´m almost finished. It is a masterpiece! Just as a sidenote: as far as I know the z in Karamazov is pronounced more softly than what you said in the video (Z as for example in Zoo) :)

[@gunnardergroe7457]

Thank you for that video. It's so nice to someone else beeing bored on purpose.

[@ba5126]

I don't know how to explain it better but basically when I was around 16 I was in something like a "choose your destiny" type of RPG moment 😅 and I was at a crossroads between actress and writer, cause I loved doing both as a kid. Ultimately I chose acting, because I needed a rush of new people in my life. I don't regret it at all, but sometimes I wonder what would've been if had chosen the other. Your vlogs are literally sending me in a realm where I can actually feel how it would've been! It's sooo awesome! They give me something that I didn't know I missed. Especially in days when the actor's life can get pretty hectic and overwhelming... I hope you keep on sharing the beauty of the Writer's life, because it truly is something special!

[@amandas.9116]

Ruby, I’d love you to do a video on how you use your planner to be productive- I have lots of to dos so would you recommend list them all on Notion then allocate some each day to write in your planner? How do you do it? Btw I love your planner so much!

[@sarahfarmer5074]

im 50 but i still love rubys videos my life is busy and i find them so calming

[@annette4929]

I loved this video! It was very calming and inspiring.

[@Julie-si3hi]

Lovely video Ruby x The thing is people in the past used to sew,do embroidery, walk,read,journal paint.....now if we're bored we scroll through a screen to fill the void....yes I know it's ironic that I'm typing this whilst watching Ruby lol 😆 but I do journal and am quite creative/crafting etc

[@caro4486]

Love Smetana in the Background! 🥰...and Tchaikovsky!❤️

[@PlanetImo]

I quite liked your ashy-smudge art :)

[@lasyakarthik5817]

Beautiful video! The candles in the darkness was a stunning shot

[@scarlettcrouton]

Hey Ruby! Love your vids!

[@lillysummeroriginals1213]

If your goal is to be creative creative creativity box. Take like a shoebox and collect items from around your house. Envelopes cute packaging postcards magazines letters anything really. Then go to the dollar store and purchase some items that inspire you. Paint glue tape doesn’t matter. Put all these things into that said shoebox and pulled out everything in again. This is your creative box. Don’t judge yourself and just let yourself be creative when you pull out this box. How do use items also be sure you replenish it so your creativity can last. A lot of children do this and it may be silly for teenagers and adults but it’s not. Having a judge free place to create with random items will inspire you. If you enjoy writing you could also write about the creativity box. Make it majestic or a fantasy land. Write about what you made from this creativity box. The sky is the limit when it comes to being creative so give it a try if you please highly recommend it and also I am legally blind

[@tomg271]

Not sure I would class it as making space for boredom, boredom implies waste time in my opinion. It is more like rest time, in the same way your body needs to rest after exercise, your mind needs that too.

[@RubyGranger8]

Interesting distinction there - the language we use is important x

[@lilydelacour]

Thought the same. Boredom sounds kinda negative as if you‘re not doing anything and don‘t enjoy it or feel bad about it.

[@rhosymedra6628]

I've been wanting to try that poem advice from Salinger too!

[@rondoflicflac]

Omg you're becoming an amazing filmmaker!!!

[@kaersten3623]

Whatever your creative outlet is, that is what will keep you "free". At times the world can be a cruel cruel place, so hold on to that freedom. No one can take that away from you. It's something that you can internalize, thus it will never betray you.

[@jondoesvlogs4242]

I can't believe you Burned it I'm proud of you for trying something so uncomfortable I love your attitude towards it too your a great writer And artist!

[@carlawisch]

I always liked what we used to call "middy blouses" which were blouses with a collar that was cut deep and square at the back and tapering to the front, resembling that worn by a sailor. There were variations on these, some used to have stars on the corners of the back of the collar, some were blue with white trim, some were white with blue trim, some had short sleeves, some had long. The last one I had was way back in the 1980's, it was red with a white collar and I used to wear it with a navy or white skirt.

[@abigailoyadiran4797]

Thank you so much Ruby for the video it really help me a lot😊

[@rhae7393]

You're supposed to not sew the horizontal part fully, and use the little gap to flip it inside out and iron it, it'll be way more neat with the loose threads on the inside!

[@probablybrian5460]

What you did with the ashes was such a cool idea, I wasn't expecting that. I was thinking you'd put them in an urn or something lol

[@AL-grhvc]

I am also about to finish reading Brothers Karamazov, Dostoyevsky being my favorite writer with his incredible insights into human psyche 💯

[@katarinasvensson9801]

Despite being so much older than you, I really se you as an inspiration and how I would like to be

[@Drew-fx7ke]

Cool an interesting incite. Food for thought. Thanks.

[@theinkdarksea]

Was so happy to hear Bedrich Smetana's "The Moldau" playing in the back of this video- it is such a beautiful piece of music and suits you wonderfully. Did you know it is considered a "symphonic poem"?

[@prakamyakhare7505]

very realistic and calming :').

[@user-of5mj5nl6r]

Im currently doing a voluntary year and I‘m lucky to have a lot of free time. But it can be challenging as well! I often feel really unproductive because I‘m not doing university and don’t always want to fill my free time till the last minute. Especially in the Winter time it’s sooo hard to not put pressure on me because of that🙈🙈

[@justaheavyheart]

I'm honestly not exaggerating when i say ruby makes me feel at peace

[@felixalvarez7296]

Thanks for a precious video.

[@carterlau25]

LOVE THE NEW OUTRO!

[@sripradhaiyengar9980]

Try sitting on the edge of your seat and working for a while. That position is to indicate that you want this done and that you want it done quickly. That also implies that you don't really care about the process. Yes, there are some tasks that fall into this category and it isn't a bad idea. But, nowadays, I find myself sitting on the edge of my seat almost always because there is something else that is left and that needs to be done too. How much of this do you remember? How much of it will you cherish? Sitting back in and not worrying about getting up or falling off, gives me the time to truly be. To be there, to become the task. After watching your video, I was doing a couple of problems for an exam and I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat (physically and mentally, I have been studying for this one exam for an entire year and it is in 2 days) and, this idea popped up. and I thought I'd share it with you. Thank you for the video

[@livi-faye]

This video was really inspiring to me and is something I‘ve actually been thinking about a lot recently :)

[@ingridingrid5805]

It's the Saturday morning,I am still in bed and thinking about how Ruby'video is going to affect my day (and I am looking forward to it!!!)

[@prettyinpink2102]

I really enjoy your videos ❤

[@BamBabyBrenda]

I didn't want to give up the habit of Journaling by not writing when I didn't want to journal. So instead I just write "I don't feel like writing today" and leave it at that. I don't always have to reflect and write pages or have a huge discovery. I just want to stay in the habit of writing.

[@janieheck896]

fantastic!

[@purpletiger9313]

Hmmm. Creativity is a big topic. The thing is, creativity *can be* a form of compulsion. An addiction really. Creativity compels you and then you feel a big rush when it's accomplished. In our little world we live in a "superstructure of distress". You have to let all of the distress fall away. It means not anticipating, not having expectations, but just holding yourself to a high standard. Everything you do becomes part of your "reputation" (which belongs to the world). But remember: even though your reputation belongs to the world, the world does not belong to you.

[@sripradhaiyengar9980]

I write a lot less than you do. But, the how to be creative part... well, usually, something I watch or read strikes a chord or a mini epiphany and, as soon as that happens, I take out my phone or laptop and jot it down on Wordpress, or notion or one note. When I was at school, we weren't allowed electronic gadgets, (oh, I am only a couple of years elder to you, but it used to be like that here) and I'd jot it down in my diary. Sometimes in between a class, or during a study hour, because, often, those ideas vanish if I didn't write them down... and even if I wrote the heading and left it at that, I'd not get the correct words or the ones that struck me the first time... I have never tried it your way! Making time for creativity... It has always been sort of spontaneous... And, I really didn't understand that bit about burning the poem... I understand that you want to focus on the process and not the product, but, why would you want to turn something you are proud of into ashes?

[@sanjuprajapat0111]

ruby i am from India I loved it is , so creative to watch you, at the same time admire your focus towards your goals thankyou for making such a content ....

[@marieke1995]

I don't know, how to say it in english, but usually, when sewing two parts together, you leave a spot open and turn the hole thing around, and then sew the rest. Then you'll have a nice edge :)

[@katerinap.5662]

I'm also currently reading the Brothers Karamazov! Would love to watch a video on how you liked it.

[@billguedesbr]

Do you clean your house? Do you cook your meat? Do you wash your clothes?

[@jewelloveslife]

I don’t usually comment but I think something that makes me sad when people talk about social media is that it’s viewed as not as important or creative as other forms of non virtual creation but I think that is not always the case although i agree that passively scrolling isn’t great the other aspects of social media do often facilitate creation for example making a tiktok or editing photos and videos and writing captions and looking and taking photos of beauty in the everyday and sharing it the documentation in itself is a form of creation and I think gen z gets too much flack for not creating the right way when really we are creating A LOT all the time even this youtube video beyond just documenting you creating is a creation in itself!!

[@taliw7736]

interested in the burning of poetry / writing

[@victoriawalker7792]

Nietzsche advocated a content diet, where you restrict your content consumption only to that which you can spend a long time digesting and revisiting in a purposeful manner. I think that this is perhaps phobic of new things, but the idea of it can be used to slim down what we consume and be more mindful of our consumption .

[@defineddisabledlife3463]

For learning to sew check out Bernadette banner and her book make, sew and mend.

[@oliverwilliams5113]

Ruby: "I wasn't very productive" * *writes a poem* * So inspiring 😂😆😫