On Tuesday I shared that I have been feeling pretty empty creatively, but after reading through the comments I suddenly felt so rejuvenated. You are all so smart and encouraging, and I felt my spirits lift as I read through your words. It reminded me of this post from Astrid (her IG handle is @redredcompletelyred):
There’s this myth about mothers who create — that they have figured out the whole raising children thing, and so expand, in need of a new challenge. What I think is more true, perhaps, at least for me, is that the whole raising children thing is such a magnificent challenge in itself that in order to survive it, an injection of creativity is needed simply as a balance, a release, a bit of on-hand, in-home daily therapy. Sewing seems to have, for me, a magical ability to create more energy from the limited supply I wake up with — a sort of fabric-fueled alchemy — and so rather than being a bonus, an extra activity after chores, I kind of see it instead as a lifeline to make everything else that has to happen each day possible. #youaresewloved
And now I want to modify how I felt on Tuesday. Yes, I was (am still at times?) feeling creatively empty, but it’s something I have more control over than I had realized. Like with that striped sweatshirt up there, I have a re-discovered creative project in mind for it. Similarly with me running: I have the power to change my attitude and emotions relating to it. (I didn’t want to work out Wednesday night but I did anyway and I felt so so good about five minutes in.) And then just yesterday, the babes and I went on a much-needed morning adventure. We stopped at the craft store first (because I knew that would light a spark) before playing outside together.
We browsed the aisles and touched a dozen different textures: wooden signs and glass beads, fabric and elastic, candle jars and votive holders, embroidery books and plastic hoops, bird houses and cupcake wrappers, receipt paper and a bouncy ball. It was amazing.
Afterward we stopped to get lunch and then ate it picnic-style at the park. Natalie was fascinated with the trees and birds flying above; such a simple thing to see, yet so inspiring. After lunch I spent at least 13 minutes on the teeter-totter with Natalie on my leg while varies kiddos Maxwell’s size hopped on to bounce at the other end :) It was amazingly adorable. (Also, hello thigh workout.)
I think I need to push through these, “ahhh, this is sooooo hard” moments and be creative more often. And I need to involve my children more with my creativity. I need to let something take longer than expected because, well, who cares? The clock isn’t judging me. And I need even more outside-the-house time, even more adventures with the babes, even more moments of honesty so my neighbor and I can encourage one another.
Thank you, honestly, for being my neighbor. It’s a real joy to be sharing parts of my life with you.
I’ve been feeling pretty worn-out creatively too! Thanks for the inspiration… ’cause I’ve gotta find my groove here soon, otherwise the store is going to get empty!
Maybe this will help? xoxoxo, and don’t forget you’re doing an amazing job!
As a handmade artist with several shops I don’t wrestle with feeling worn out creatively as I do with trying to reign it in and concentrate it in areas. Marketing is what wears me out most. You candidness is really appreciated.
What a neat perspective. I hope you’re able to reign it in, and also, multiple shops? Go Teena, go! ♥
I just wanted to thank you for sharing your heart. You have been such an encouragement to me in the last few months. I am a mama to 4 little kiddos, all 5 and under, and reading your blog posts and following your IG has been encouraging, and made me smile. Thank you for being real, and for being you!
WHATa dream! I so hope to be there, like you with many babies around, in a few more years :) It is so hard, yes, but it is my love for mothering that has me continuing to figure this out. I’m so glad you commented, you are so honest and brave. XO
I used to work with Astrid (a long while ago) and always loved her sweet and creative spirit! Here’s to more creative moments with our kiddos :)
WHAT? Small world! :)
this exactly how I started to sew! It was my life line. My therapy! My kids were tots. I’ve always been a creative person. Hands on. And so teaching myself to sew and write my own patterns was relaxing for me at the end of a long day.
Can I tell you how much you inspire me?!? I have a 7 mo old and find it hard to get up and get going with JUST HIM! I’m also a creative person but have felt so stifled lately. I think it’s because I’m on his schedule and no longer mine. Now my creative time is planned out for me…meaning, naptime.
You make me wanna get out and get going more with this little man!
Thank you for sharing!!! I totally needed this!!!
Oh my gosh… I so needed to read this. I have been feeling the exact same way and this is exactly what I need. : )
I can completely relate to the feeling of being creatively empty. I have three little ones and it takes so much out of me to mother them… I wouldn’t have it any other way and I am so grateful to be their mama, but at the same time it is hard to find time to rejuvenate ME amidst all of that. And creativity is exactly what I need to rejuvenate. I adore Astrid and I remember reading this; it struck me deeply and I think it is such a beautiful, comforting way to phrase it. Here’s to being creative mamas among the chaos. :)