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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / blog & handmade advice / {3 tips on how I stay Creatively Energized}

{3 tips on how I stay Creatively Energized}

April 1, 2011 · 29 Comments
Filed Under: blog & handmade advice, inspiration

3 tips on how to stay Creatively Energized from gussy sews on Vimeo.

Today’s question: What tip do you think you could benefit from the most? Please feel free to elaborate below with a comment :]

PS. The winner of our sponsor group giveaway is Abby from Graduate “Extraordinaire” ~ yeow! Abby, check your email :]

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29 Comments
Filed Under: blog & handmade advice, inspiration

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Comments

  1. Rambling Heather says

    April 1, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    Thank you for these tips, very applicable!

    Reply
  2. DebbieSmith says

    April 1, 2011 at 12:39 pm

    Your #1 tip about “turning off the computer” definitely helps me because starting a new photography business has been encouraging for me and also discouraging. I see pros pictures and think WOW, I think have far to go! and then I see Facebook posts and blogs on how to be successful in your photography business and things like that and I get discouraged sometimes, because I am just starting out, I am part-time, and I live in a rural community where I cannot charge the outrageous prices that pro-photographers charge. So I have to pick and choose what advice I cling to and what most relates to me in my circumstance. Sometimes there is just TOO much advice out there and it’s hard to know how to decipher all of it. So yeah, I need to limit my time on the computer and get out there and practice, practice, practice and find my own style and not try to match or copy someone else’s, but to be inspired by them and enjoy what I do and for the reason that I love to do it and not for the money.

    Reply
  3. Whtiney - Frames & Names says

    April 1, 2011 at 12:40 pm

    Thank you for a great vlog Gussy! I love you Biz 411 posts anyways, but this was especially great. I have been struggling with the online part lately. I love the community I’ve built and friends I’ve made but it can be hard on the self esteem when you see tweets or posts about numbers of sales or followers or any other successes. It’s a natural reaction to think “why haven’t I gotten there with my business?” I also have found the online part to be a huge distraction as well. I create my products on the computer so I’ll sit down to create something and then find that it’s been an hour and I’m still on Twitter.

    So anyways…after I’ve written you a novel! :) I think tip #1 is definitely my fav. Thanks!

    Reply
  4. Anna K. says

    April 1, 2011 at 12:44 pm

    Get off the computer would be the best tip for me. – I know it’s ironic since I’m on one right now making this comment! – Sometimes I get inspiration or great how-to’s on the internet, but other times I get bogged down and am left feeling insecure. My time would be better spent in my little studio painting away or sketching an idea out while hanging with my Hubs. ;o)

    Thanks for posting your vlog!

    Reply
  5. Stacey says

    April 1, 2011 at 12:55 pm

    Getting off the computer for sure! Even though I don’t have a business (sort of, I do sell cloth diapers for fun), I find that I get more discouraged, the more I’m online. I compare myself to others and want the life they have. I certainly won’t find contentment through that!

    Thanks for the encouragement today!

    Reply
  6. Jacky {The Sweetest Petunia} says

    April 1, 2011 at 12:56 pm

    TURN OFF THE COMPUTER. Love that. I am *so* easily discouraged in my creative pursuits…I’m constantly comparing myself to other women I admire, but honestly, I can never be them. Thanks for the reminder to be my own person & live creatively!

    Reply
  7. Tara says

    April 1, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    LOVE your 411 business tips girl! This vlog was super helpful! And with just starting my own business it helped so much to hear all of these tips!

    Reply
  8. Citlalli says

    April 1, 2011 at 2:08 pm

    Definitely #1 is what I can benefit more from. You are absolutely right about comparing yourself to others. I find myself doing that a lot. I also need to make it happen instead of sitting on the sideline. I will definitely check out the blogs you mentioned. Thanx for all your awesomely informative blogs!!!

    Reply
  9. Tiffany says

    April 1, 2011 at 2:13 pm

    OK first off – you are so adorable! :) Great idea with the video post – its fun to get to know my favorite bloggers more and this is a neat medium outside of just typing up answers.

    Back to your question – I think a combination of all 3 is what keeps me motivated. Having blogs that motivate me, show neat ideas, tutorials, tips, etc. get my brain going on my lunch break at work and get me excited to go home and create. I work at an office job, updating a database and working on projects – not so exciting or stimulating but it pays the bills. That is why I daydream all day long about quilting and creating, use my whole lunch break looking at patterns, fabric, blogs, etc. – this is my outlet from boring work life, the thing that gets me excited to work when I get home on something I love instead of vegging in front of the tv.
    Your tip about getting off the internet kind of applies a little differently for me – I don’t feel inadequate, I just waste so much time looking at what everyone else is creating! That is why I started using my lunch break for this, because it does get me excited and give me new ideas (and supplies… way too many supplies haha) but I don’t want to waste my whole evening in this way or I’ll never create anything and that is just disappointing.

    Thanks for the great post – gets me thinking about how inline I am with the above and how I need to improve so that I can create, be myself, stay motivated and enjoy the things I love the most!

    Reply
  10. Megan Forrester says

    April 1, 2011 at 2:56 pm

    I like the tip to get off the computer. I waste so much time browsing, tweeting, and comparing myself to others that I have no time to create!

    Reply
  11. Jenna says

    April 1, 2011 at 3:07 pm

    definitely tip #1. i totally find myself in that rut of comparing myself to others, and letting that discourage me. this is one of my favorite quotes, “never compare yourself to anyone; you are only comparing your worst to their best.” i have no idea where i heard that, but i have it written on my inspiration in my studio as a daily reminder. this is a great post! its so easy to get caught up what everybody else is doing and not focus and our own successes. thanks for your honesty!

    Reply
  12. Marci Girl says

    April 1, 2011 at 3:10 pm

    I honestly think this was my FAVORITE blog post you have ever done! Congrats, it was perfect! I loved tip #1, because it is so true, and even if you aren’t comparing yourself, you end up wasting time, a lot of time! Thanks for the tips, I love them!

    Reply
  13. Natalie says

    April 1, 2011 at 3:29 pm

    Wonderful tips, Gussy! I definitely relate to #1- wasting time seeing what everyone else is up to and comparing myself…. *sigh*. Sometimes I think the internet is the downfall of society, but there are a lot of great things about it too. I will definitely check out those two blogs (not that I need more blogs to read, haha! but they sound really good!) I love to cook, too!! :) And garden! :)

    Reply
  14. teresa says

    April 1, 2011 at 3:37 pm

    YOU my dear totally INSPIRE me!
    Bauer inspires DOOGAN! ;o)
    Your #1 tip was dead~on!
    When I DREAM about learning to SEW…and creating an online business…I KNOW and BELIEVE with all my HEART that I CAN do this!
    I’ve been CREATIVE all my life!
    I have a funky eye for FUN~unique fabric!
    I have an eye for the HIP and HAPPENING!
    I’ve traveled all over the WORLD!
    My CREATIVE juices have been flowing for years!
    But at your age…I was teaching. And I’ve been teaching for 20 years. But now I’m READY!
    Ready to GO FOR a DREAM that I have always had.
    A DREAM of marketing ME!
    A DREAM of creating and marketing all things CUTE! All the things I’ve always LOVED and adored! ;o)
    So I do BELIEVE in ME…and what I anticipate CREATING {when I get my machine ;o) }.
    The problem is…when I get on the computer…and find link after link after link show~casing all of these fabulous products…I begin to sink.
    Even though it is all very inspiring…AND…I allow myself to click on link after link…I’m not sure it’s productive.
    I begin to QUESTION my capabilities.
    I begin to QUESTION my age…and whether or not someone of my age should even try to CREATE and market a product in the midst of all these younger~hip~FUN girls.
    I allow myself to feel like “it can’t happen to me…”
    “It’s already HAPPEN to so many other creative souls out there….there’s no way it can happen to me too.”
    This is not PRODUCTIVE thinking.
    And this happens to me sometimes when I COMPARE what I might CREATE to what others are already creating.
    Does this make sense?
    Thank you for inspiring me GUSSY!
    YOU MAKE a DIFFERENCE in my LIFE!
    On SEW~SEW many levels!
    You really do!
    ANd even though I am older…you and I share so much of the same SPUNK and SPIRIT!
    Oh…and we share our fur~boys too.
    Thank you sweet~girl.
    Thank you for sharing the LOVE!
    I am sending you oooooooodles and oooooooodles of HUGS!
    You make a difference…always remember that!
    And don’t ever~ever~ever doubt your product!
    I know a SPECIAL product when I see it…and YOURS is SPECIAL!
    It’s got YOU written and sewn all over it!
    That’s what makes it stand~out as something UNIQUE and SPECIAL!
    xo

    Reply
  15. Morgan says

    April 1, 2011 at 3:38 pm

    I love this. Thanks Maggie!

    Reply
  16. bonitarose says

    April 1, 2011 at 3:40 pm

    great post.. I so agree with comparing.. it can kill your creativity. Truly.. I make a point of playing in my art studio ea and every day.. and u know what?? I sure feel great when I have!!! I grow more, I experiment more, and I feel great when I hv made something new or mastered a new skill! hugs.. great great post! hugs xo
    I also find that some ppl out there really aren’t FOR YOU. Some genuinely are, but others.. are just basement ppl.. no thanks… I will focus on me and learning more and focusing on my strengths.. and getting better and more inspiring!
    hugs again

    Reply
  17. Heather G. says

    April 1, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    Awesome tips, girl – especially get off the computer!

    Reply
  18. Karen E. says

    April 1, 2011 at 4:40 pm

    I definitely the tip about getting off the computer is the best one. My tip would be to start an idea journal that you can take with you anywhere. Then when you get a creative idea or project idea…. you can write
    This is something I will be starting to do and as I have time I will be able to cross them off one by one.

    Reply
  19. april c. says

    April 1, 2011 at 5:07 pm

    i could really really REALLY benefit from your first tip — i think everyone could, whether you are feeling in a slump creatively or with your family/friends/work mode. the computer can be so tricky :] i love being inspired by others, but just like you said, you can become trapped in a cloud of defeat and doubt.

    thanks so much for a lovely vlog! three very well thought out tips!

    Reply
  20. Catlyn says

    April 1, 2011 at 8:06 pm

    Honestly, I think all of them! Boy do I need to get off the computer and separate myself from the business of online! I also need to stop saying I’m not good enough. I know not having confidence in myself and comparing myself to other is why I personally have so many doubts about my ability to ever have my own Etsy shop!
    Such a great post, Thank you! : )

    Reply
  21. Pam says

    April 1, 2011 at 8:10 pm

    All good tips! Like your first suggestion I too can let what I’m looking at influence me in the wrong way. You are right it’s good to turn it off and go do what you do best.

    Reply
  22. Mandi says

    April 1, 2011 at 8:41 pm

    This has nothing to do with your post but I saw it on etsy and totally thought of you!

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/71270581/new-design-your-own-i-heart-sewing?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=coffee+cozy&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

    Reply
  23. Kate @ Songs Kate Sang says

    April 1, 2011 at 11:17 pm

    I just love you!

    Reply
  24. Sarah-Anne says

    April 2, 2011 at 8:55 am

    congrats to Abby!!

    Reply
  25. Tracy Ross says

    April 2, 2011 at 10:08 am

    I agree with those above that getting away from the computer is a good one. I am always comparing myself and feeling discouraged about what I can do. I like the’get out and do something you love’ tip as well. In my past… I was a Chef/Pastry Chef and competed and won multiple awards. Over the last five years I haven’t cooked much but I have recently taken a new interest. I have a goal of finding one product each week that I haven’t worked with or worked very little with and turning it into a culinary masterpiece. I will be blogging this process on my http://tundrarunners.blogspot.com/ page and will upload photos as I go! Thanks for the tips and I am ‘getting off the computer’!

    Reply
  26. Julie {CalleLillyCafe} says

    April 2, 2011 at 11:02 am

    Yes you are totally right! The computer sucks you in! I tell myself I’m just going to do this real quick. Nope, here I am 30 mins later & 5 blogs deep of clicking! I have a super busy life of 4 girls, a hubby, soccer academy, vol in class, medical issues, 2 surgeries in a month span, house & elderly mom to take care of plus our two boys! (shelties) My days seem to blend into the next & I have so many ideas I want to put in my shop, it’s just a matter of time. Yes I love the Mac but it’s true, just step away & be inspired. I love Elsie too! *since way back when she was huge in the scrapbkg world! Happy wkend! =)

    Reply
  27. Pam @ Keeping Life Creative says

    April 2, 2011 at 6:57 pm

    Oh, get off the computer. That is BY far my problem because I do EXACTLY what you said–I compare myself and I get down and think I’m not good enough…I love your Biz posts!

    Reply
  28. Marilyn says

    April 3, 2011 at 7:00 am

    Thanks for this encouragement. Your post gave me the little push I needed to get out and explore our new area. Lo and behold, I came back with new ideas and renewed energy.

    Reply
  29. Sharon says

    April 4, 2011 at 9:09 am

    All great tips – #1 is most needed for me! Thanks for the reminder! Logging off to sew!

    Reply

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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I fought every internal comment I could think of a I fought every internal comment I could think of and took my kiddos for a looooong walk today before dinner. ❄️✨ There’s just so much work required to raise children! I’m feeling like a tired lady. But sunshine & fresh air are good companions to keep around. 

We came home and I made “the best dinner ever”. Max specifically announced, “it’s so great you’re launching new meals to the world”. LOL— kids! 🤣👏🏻💓
How about a little Wednesday night introduction? 😘Social media sure has changed over the years and we don’t always SEE who we’re following or remember WHY we’re following certain accounts. 

So, hello! As you can gather, my name is Maggie ;) 

I started writing online (almost 13 years ago) to share the handmade products I was sewing. My shop was called Gussy Sews. ✂️👛I love the community that has grown from sewing & sharing online.

Let’s FFW to today: Zack and I live in Michigan and have four young children (2 boys & 2 girls). I slowly left the handmade industry and walked right into homemaking, homeschooling, and encouraging women through writing. 💕📝

Motherhood has been very hard on me. (And not just because of how close in age our four children are.) It’s been hard for me because I fought for years to accept that *it’s supposed to be hard*. 

I mean, how do you effectively teach another person to know and love the Lord? Bc that’s how I think of motherhood: a calling to nurture others by studying the One who nurtures me. So I gotta make the first move: study the Bible and seek Him first. As my friend Autumn reminded me, vulnerability births transformation. 

(I’ve had to be really vulnerable!)

So, yes motherhood has fully transformed me. But even more so, Christ has fully transformed me. My list of “all that He’s done for me” is off to a beautifully long start.

Something else I want you to know about me: I stalled for years before acknowledging I have anxiety and depression. It’s hard to talk about this because of course this isn’t forever “my hardship”, but rather because acknowledging this means to heal I have to work through some really difficult things. ✨

But my friend Jesus walks alongside me. He’s already done a mighty work in my heart, including helping me process my anger in healthier ways. I’ve also adopted a heart for sisterhood, mothering, and Titus 2 mentorship.

Sometimes our greatest losses are our greatest gains? That’s what I’m clinging to!

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Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
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