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If you’ve ever joined one of our workshops or seen our posts, you’ve probably noticed the pineapples. Maybe you’ve wondered—what’s the deal with them? Why do we talk about pineapples so much?

Well, it all started as a bit of fun, but it turned into something much bigger than I could have imagined. This isn’t just about fruit—it’s about focus, joy, community and learning to trust your instincts.

From Red Cars to Pineapples

In my “Design Your Life” workshop, we talk about the power of focus—how what you pay attention to, you start to see more of. I used to use the example of buying a red car and then seeing red cars everywhere. It’s thanks to the Reticular Activating System in your brain. It’s science, not just woo.

But I got a bit bored of the red car example, so I decided to try something new. I thought I’d use a watermelon to illustrate the same point, but when I got to the shop—no watermelons! I picked up a pineapple instead.

And that one little decision changed everything.

Where Focus Goes, Energy Flows

During that event, we asked everyone to keep pineapples in their mind’s eye for two weeks—just as a lighthearted focus experiment. And then it began. Pineapple photos, stories, memes, gifts—our inboxes were full of them. People started seeing pineapples everywhere.

It was hilarious—and a bit mind-blowing. But it proved the point. What you focus on, you see more of. That simple idea became powerful in ways I didn’t expect.

A Symbol of Joy

Now, the pineapple has become something more. It reminds me of one of our core values at United ArtSpace: fun.

I once made a video with a real pineapple balanced on my head—just for a laugh. And to this day, whenever I see a pineapple or receive one as a gift, it brings joy. It makes me smile. It reminds me not to take life too seriously.

When things get stressful or heavy, that little moment of joy really matters. It reminds me to lighten up, to have fun, to keep perspective.

A Reminder to Watch Your Thoughts

The pineapple has also become a prompt for me to notice where my thoughts are going. Am I focusing on what I don’t have—or on what I want?

Shifting my thoughts to what I do want, even when things feel uncertain, has had a big impact. I feel happier. I notice opportunities. It’s that same focus principle in action—redirecting energy towards a more positive direction.

Community and Unity

A lovely surprise came when one of our members, Janine, shared that a pineapple is actually made of lots of tiny fruitlets—each one was once a flower.

That gave me goosebumps. What a beautiful metaphor for community. Our United ArtSpace family is just like that: a whole made up of many creative individuals. Each unique, each valuable.

So now the pineapple also represents unity. It reflects our mission and reminds us that together, we’re stronger.

Creative Flow and Saying Yes

That original moment in the supermarket could’ve gone differently. I could’ve overthought it. “Why use a pineapple? That’s silly.” But I didn’t. I picked it up, rolled with it, and followed what felt right.

And look what it’s become. That’s creativity in action—saying yes to the playful moment, and seeing where it leads.

At a recent event, our community members wore pineapple badges. We stood out. People took notice. All of that came from one small yes.

Growth Takes Time

Here’s another thing about pineapples: they take two to three years to grow. Isn’t that amazing? And so relatable. Our creative journeys aren’t quick. They take time, patience, and a whole lot of trust.

We grow in cycles. Sometimes it feels slow. Sometimes we’re blooming. But we’re all growing, in our own way, just like that pineapple.

So what’s your pineapple? What’s the thing you want to see more of in your life? Keep it in mind. Let it guide your focus, your joy, your actions. It might seem small now—but give it time, and it could become something really meaningful.

Just like mine did.

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Have a great week & take care,

Michelle xo