• mamahood
    • homeschool
    • Maxwell
    • Natalie
    • Marigold
    • Landon
    • baby things
  • faith
    • 23 identities PDF
    • Tanzania + Compassion
  • inspiration
    • our home
    • books
    • lifestyle
    • marriage
    • homeschool
    • simple living
    • we’re debt free!
    • book recommendations
  • homeschool
  • devotionals
    • (in)courage Devotional Bible
    • 31 Days of Prayer for the Dreamer & Doer
  • new? start here

Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / creativity / {a NEW mini-series: “How I live a creative life,” featuring five personal tips from Gussy // tip #5}

{a NEW mini-series: “How I live a creative life,” featuring five personal tips from Gussy // tip #5}

April 13, 2012 · 16 Comments
Filed Under: creativity, inspiration

this is week #2 of my creative life mini-series.

for week #1, the focus was on five guest bloggers + their tips on living a creative life: kyla roma, just lovely things, lisa leonard, tiny twig + sarah jane studios ~ and this week the focus is on sharing five different applications i currently use to live a creative life and how they’ve transformed my mindset into something incredibly inspiring and freeing.

for week #2, i’m sharing my personal tips on how i live a creative life: 1, 2, 3, 4.

this is the last post in the mini-series!

* * *

tip #5: share your passions with others

as we wrap up this mini-series on living a creative life, think about the people you have around you. what kind of role do they play in your life? how about in your create life? i’m going to go out on a limb here and say it’s near impossible to live a satisfyingly creative life if you never share your passions with others. why? because the people that care about you also care about your passions. did you hear me? i’ll say it again :) the people that care about you also care about your passions. you may think your creativity is stifled from not not having a defined “end of work” day or from not taking the time to create an oasis where you work, but what if it’s stifled only because you’ve kept your passions to yourself? what if you were brave for a few minutes and shared your passions with others? how do you think they would respond?

what if they supported you?

what if that, but they also encouraged you?

what if they supported, encouraged + challenged you to turns your dreams into plans?

yeow!

unspoken passions are unnoticed passions. if you don’t tell the people you care about about your passions then they never have the opportunity to support them ~ with you, for you, alongside you.

i think many of my best ideas were ignited only after sharing them aloud with someone. my ideas may be great in my mind and on paper, but they become GRAND after sharing them aloud with someone else. zack + our families have been fantastic support systems for gussy sews. i remember sharing with my mom my dreams for the business and i’m pretty sure before i even finished sharing them she was supporting me. i think she could SEE it was a passion… a leap worth taking… i think the same for our family, they were 100% ready to support me with this business — and i’m sew thankful they did!

the same goes for my man. oh zack, to think where i wouldn’t be if it weren’t for your support.

so go on now… IT’S TIME TO SHARE YOUR PASSIONS! :)

HOW ABOUT YOU? do you have people in your life that you can share your passions with? who are they, and what about them makes you comfortable? do you wish you had more or less people to share your passions? xo

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Print
  • LinkedIn


16 Comments
Filed Under: creativity, inspiration

Join over 4,400 women who receive Maggie Whitley Designs inspiration & encouragement:

 

Loading

« {a NEW mini-series: “How I live a creative life,” featuring five personal tips from Gussy // tip #4}
{noteworthy links — slow & steady, a home tour + more} »

Comments

  1. skye @ neathering our fest says

    April 13, 2012 at 6:49 am

    This was one of the hardest hurdles for me to jump! I’m not quite over it yet but I have come along way since I started blogging and creating. I am more proud of what I do and more confident in the things I make so therefore, I am more willing to share my passions!

    My hubby knows that I must be creative in order to be happy – whether that be painting a bedroom, painting a sign, writing a sweet blog post, or taking 200 pictures of the same thing. His patience and support in me has been BRILLIANT and I would not be where I am today without him by my side. :)

    Gussy this whole list has been in my head for a long time but hearing someone else, who I find to be incredibly encouraging and business savvy, say it and confirm it for me this week has been life changing! Thank you for all that you do and who you are to those of us dreaming to fly like you have! :) You are such a great inspiration! :) xoxo

    Reply
  2. Sarah says

    April 13, 2012 at 7:46 am

    I’ve been doing a lot of creative work for myself for a while, but I recently started thinking about opening an etsy shop to share some specific things that I really enjoy creating. I’ve been planning & reading up on starting a business for a while. I currently work a full time job & a part time job. My part time job money has been going fully & directly toward paying off my student loan. But after this month, it will be paid off! Thus, my hope is that I’ll start putting that money towards the new business starting next month, and hopefully open sometime in June.

    When I originally told my husband I wanted to start a creative business, he flipped out. He thought I was going to spend all of our money & quit my jobs & it would never work. But when I told him my plan of using my part time job money to start it up, so we’d never really miss it, he started to come around. I still wouldn’t say he’s exactly supportive… but maybe he’ll eventually come around. It’s going to be rough for a while though working full time & part time & starting this up & doing everything around the house. Yikes! :) I’m so excited though!

    Reply
    • skye @ neathering our fest says

      April 13, 2012 at 8:01 am

      I love that you are saving up by working a part time job and making sure your business will be debt free! I also love that you are doing your research beforehand on running a business. I wish I had done more of that before just jumping in but I will say this. I have learned more about myself and running a business by experience than I ever thought I could. I hope your hubby jumps on board and supports you – you seem to have it all headed in the right direction! :)

      Reply
  3. Cassie @ Live.Laugh.L0ve. says

    April 13, 2012 at 10:14 am

    Let me first just say I have completely loved this series! You are so wonderful and amazing. I very much look up to you! :)) I think all of my family and friends know about my shop but few know about my book. But in both cases there is only a few that support me. I think this has made me a little stronger because I have learned to support and believe in myself. But having my husband, my two best friends and my sister fully support both things that I do – helps a ton. These people in my life that do fully support me is such a blessing and I can’t thank them enough!!

    I would definitely say I would like more support, mainly from family. But when I tell or show them about shop products I don’t get much of a rise besides “oh that’s cute.” or “good luck with your shop.” and that’s about as far as it goes. So, I haven’t told many of them about the book simple because how they act with my shop leads me to believe that’s how they would act with my book too.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      April 13, 2012 at 11:01 am

      one thing i noticed about myself is when someone would ask, “what do you do for a living?” – if i responded with something close-ended like, “i write a lifestyle blog and own a handmade online boutique” they are more likely to say, “oh neat!” and move on. that’s the end of our conversation.

      but when i responded with “i write a lifestyle blog and own a handmade online boutique, making ruffled accessories and bags for women. yeah, and i’ve been working hard at this for about 2 years now. i’m constantly learning more about Indie Biz and…” do you see how that’s different? it opens the doors for more communication i’ve found — people are more likely to have a conversation with me when i lead to that.

      i know it’s hard and a little awkward at times, BUT — try this method :) maybe your family responds with “oh that’s cute” because they aren’t sure HOW to respond. maybe they aren’t sure what your goals are or they feel uneducated with the world of Indie Biz so they don’t know what to say? :)

      Reply
      • Kasey M. says

        April 13, 2012 at 1:33 pm

        This response has been oh so helpful to me! I just started really telling my family about my goals for my shop (I’m still afraid they’ll t hink I’m self-indulgent and irresponsible) and this is a great way for me to open up the conversation.Thank you.

        Reply
      • Cassie @ Live.Laugh.L0ve. says

        April 13, 2012 at 7:10 pm

        Ah such great advice Gussy thank you! I will definitly try that approach. I never really thought about it that I just assumed that they didn’t care when they didn’t ask about it anymore. You rock! :) Thanks so much for the advice!

        Reply
  4. Catherine Denton says

    April 13, 2012 at 10:40 am

    I definitely wish I had more people to share my passion with but I’m thankful for my sister who’s a constant encouragement and confidant. My secret passion is to continue growing my blog into one that inspires and connects people; to continue making art pieces that encourage others to live their dreams; and to eventually write a book.
    Catherine Denton

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      April 15, 2012 at 10:47 am

      how special that you have a sister!!!!! there are times when i wish i had one, but i suppose that’s what girlfriends are for, right?! :)

      Reply
  5. Kasey M. says

    April 13, 2012 at 1:35 pm

    Two people have been WILDLY supportive of my goals for my business. HB {my other half} and my girlfriend Victoria. HB is completely supportive and convinced I’ll be a success and Victoria gets excited by all my grand plas with me.
    My family tends to be afraid for me. Afraid I’ll get hurt or that I’ll take too much of a risk. But at least part of that MUST be that those are my fears and I’m somehow communicating them. So it’s time to change the conversation, no?

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      April 15, 2012 at 10:49 am

      i’m going to copy + paste what i shared with cassie above, because i think the overall message can be modified a teensy bit for you and the fears you are subconsciously communicating…

      “one thing i noticed about myself is when someone would ask, “what do you do for a living?” – if i responded with something close-ended like, “i write a lifestyle blog and own a handmade online boutique” they are more likely to say, “oh neat!” and move on. that’s the end of our conversation.

      but when i responded with “i write a lifestyle blog and own a handmade online boutique, making ruffled accessories and bags for women. yeah, and i’ve been working hard at this for about 2 years now. i’m constantly learning more about Indie Biz and…” do you see how that’s different? it opens the doors for more communication i’ve found — people are more likely to have a conversation with me when i lead to that.

      i know it’s hard and a little awkward at times, BUT — try this method :) maybe your family responds with “oh that’s cute” because they aren’t sure HOW to respond. maybe they aren’t sure what your goals are or they feel uneducated with the world of Indie Biz so they don’t know what to say? :)”

      Reply
  6. Cassie @ Live.Laugh.L0ve. says

    April 13, 2012 at 7:08 pm

    Ah such great advice Gussy thank you! I will definitly try that approach. I never really thought about it that I just assumed that they didn’t care when they didn’t ask about it anymore. You rock! :) Thanks so much for the advice!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      April 15, 2012 at 10:50 am

      seriously — happy to help! xo

      Reply
  7. Christina Clarke says

    April 13, 2012 at 7:46 pm

    I have to say I have LOVED loved LOVED this series it’s been fun, educational and thought provoking, thank you so much. I hope to see more of these series in the future :-)

    I have been thinking and talking about starting a creative business for years. I have always had great support from my husband he has always told me to follow my dreams and we can make it happen but I am always the one putting on the breaks. It was only recently that I realized it’s ME stopping myself from pursuing my dreams partly because of my fearful of the unknown (I know fear shouldn’t stop me but it has) but mostly because I don’t feel I have the support from my parents which is probably the hardest thing to grasp. It’s not that my parents don’t think I’m talented, it’s not because they don’t want to see me succeed, it’s not because they think I can’t do it….It’s because they are fearful of the struggles that I may face running my own creative business and the possibility for instability. They would rather see me in a ‘steady’ job knowing that I wouldn’t have to struggle. This is discouraging and not totally true because I seem to be struggling every day to do the ‘steady’ job I am doing now because I lack the passion you talk about. I am trying to work through it and I think I’m getting to a point where I will soon take the leap of faith regardless. I’m so grateful for the people in life who do support me but at the same time I want to make my parents proud, I hope and pray that they will come around one day.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      April 15, 2012 at 10:59 am

      there’s going to be instability everywhere… it will show up with work, with buying a home, with kids, with choosing where to bank, it’s everywhere. decisions we make now will be prove to be good or bad decisions later. it’s a risk we take in believing it’s the best decision at the time to make.

      however, nothing scares me more than feeling dissatisfied with a choice i didn’t make because i was afraid of what the outcome would/could/should be. if it’s not going royally mess things up — or have the potential to — then i am more apt to test it. i’d rather be proven wrong than not know if i was wrong.

      love this quote :: “If you learn from defeat, you haven’t really lost.” Zig Ziglar

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. A Few Inspiring Articles to Share says:
    May 1, 2012 at 12:20 pm

    […] to Shop for Fabric Online via Whipstitch Fabrics Tips on How to Live a Creative Life via Gussy Sews 50 Ways to Say “You’re Awesome” via Unicorns for Socialism Paint […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

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.
READ MORE >>
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS

EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Join over 4,400 women who receive Maggie Whitley Designs inspiration & encouragement:

 

Loading

instagram

maggiewhitley

JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect o Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect on the moments I’ve felt my mind spinning, my emotions swirly, it’s almost always when I’m not feasting on the word of God. Not that reading scripture is the cure for anxiety —no! Rather, it’s hard to worry when we’re worshipping.
.
.
.
.
.
#womenintheword #wearethehomemakers #scripture #dailyintheword #titus2woman #healthylifestyle #mentalhealth #anxiety #anxietyawareness
Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️ Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️✨
A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is hot, and the whisper of a page turning. ♨️☕️📖 // We are breaking from school this week, my plan is to read a lot, walk a lot, and rest a lot. How about you?

#mothersofinstagram #tea #winterreading #hygge
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!

How about you? Tell me something about yourself so I can get to know you on a deeper heart level. 🖤🖤
How do you play in the winter? // We had a really How do you play in the winter? // We had a really great time visiting family in northern Michigan. On my blog I share a few ways we played outside, plus I describe a memorable childhood game ❄️☃️. Did you play it as a kiddo?
We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens in the morning (HGTV), playtime before lessons, and not enough quiet time after lunch. This made for a really, ummm, unenjoyable learning experience. 

But today! Today we reset the rhythm, and we have had a much happier home & time learning together. 👏🏻
Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — t Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — think outside the box in terms of how you view the definition of “motherhood” 💓😘 (also: look at my little friend, she’s sooooo snuggly)
It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hop It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hope to bundle up for another family nature walk, knowing the fresh air sweeps out any & all frustration, inviting inspiration inside. ✨That’s something we all need more of.
seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming the Laundry Beast (as a family of 6). Who wants the inside scoop? ✔️🧺👏🏻
Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomo Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomorrow :) small celebrations like this are very life giving! PS. thinking of starting a zoom book club — I need more sisterhood in my life. 👏🏻📖
The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are turning. The tea is calm. 🖤☕️🧺📖
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. 📖✨🤍
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2021 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.