Meet Sara Murphy: Writer & Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara Murphy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
I’ve thought a lot about happiness over the last few months, how I’ve struggled with it in my past and how I can create it for myself moving forward. However, I’ve found the harder I try to find happiness, the more frustrated and disappointed I become. Nothing seems to stick or to give me a revitalized energy for life, and then I turn this idea of “happiness” into a chore. I think I’ve put too much pressure on the idea of finding happiness because I want to feel good, but happiness can’t be forced. Recently I thought to myself, “Do I even really want happiness?” My answer was: Sure, happiness would be nice – but what I really crave is peace. Happiness without peace is merely a high to match your lows. Peace creates the ability to feel present, to see life for what it is, and to know we are well. My theory is when I finally hit that sweet spot of peace, there’s likely to be lasting happiness found within. So, in working on peace in my own life as of late, I’ve taken to journaling with self awareness prompts when I’m feeling reflective, doing yoga when it feels restorative, and eating a pastry when it sounds delicious. The process of matching a small action to a present feeling brings us home to ourselves – and what greater peace than that?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve dabbled in many creative areas throughout my life, but I’ve always found a home in writing. I deal with anxiety, so I’ve always said writing is my version of speaking from the heart – I can slow down, collect my thoughts, and thread them together piece by piece. I write about the ideas that feel too big to wrap my mind around, whether it’s because they’re too complicated or painful or meta. With that said, a lot of my writing is openly sharing the good, the bad and the ugly of my story. I’ve found it very healing to air out the dusty areas of my conscience, and I can only hope it resonates with others who have had similar experiences or who struggle to feel recognized.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Great question! I have an affinity for finding my favorite spots, and then failing to venture out much at all once I’ve decided my go-to places. I’m a huge foodie, so here’s my shortlist: Cassell’s Hamburgers in Koreatown: house sodas, mac salad, amazing burgers, better milkshakes. Harlowe in West Hollywood: great for a laid-back happy hour! Pink Taco – Sunset: I’m a sucker for a margarita and some guac. BrewCo in Manhattan Beach: casual appetizers, burgers and tacos on the beach. Don’t forget to hit a KBBQ spot and a roadside taco truck – any one will do!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A large piece of my journey thus far has been processing trauma and self-discovery. The Wright Institute of Los Angeles is an amazing option for affordable psychotherapy in LA, and having a reliable therapist has offered comfort, consistency and support through difficult times. I believe I’ve accelerated my own growth and healing by seeking mental health assistance, and I can only hope it continues to become more affordable and accessible through organizations like WILA.

Website: www.comingofageblog.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/saramurppp

Image Credits
www.comingofageblog.com