Top 5 Tuesday
Today's Top 5 for you is a lesson in celebrating your creative self, no matter what season you are in.
Last week, I got to share the loveliest conversation with my former student, Maureen Farrell and her co-host Heather O’Neal for their podcast “Milk Minute”. After Maureen listened to one of my podcast episodes on Mattering, (here is the link), she thought how helpful a discussion centered on that topic would be for her listeners. This was a chance to reach young mothers who may be struggling with finding time to connect with themselves and their creative passions, and I was thrilled to be a part of it. Here is the link to the podcast episode in case you missed it:
https://www.milkminutepodcast.com/show-notes/amberhill/
So for this week’s Top 5, I will share the 5 take aways that I think are important for all of us (young moms or not) that came out of our conversation and for those who think a podcast called “Milk Minute” is not for you and the season you are in, guess again.
Find A Space And Make It Yours.
It doesn’t matter how big or how small, just make it yours. Some of us will be lucky to have a door, or a room of our own, but even a table next to the washing machine is enough, if it’s yours. If you can stay true to your intention to create in that space, you will be surprised by what will happen. I have spoken about space before on the podcast here is the link.
Don’t Share All The Time.
As parents, we share all of the time: our food, our rooms, our beds, and for a time, even our bodies. Your creative space is not for sharing. This boundary will take time to enforce. Much like your child (or spouse for that matter) was not toilet trained in a day, saying that you need this space to be for you and your own path, may take several tries, but I promise you, do it anyway. I read this quotation from the painter Edgar Whitney who said, “You think you are designing that painting; no, you’re designing your life, choosing what you will make part of your life and what you will not do.” While you may give away the snacks in your bag freely, do not give away your precious creative life.
Get Help When You Need It.
Reach out, don’t retreat. Yes, even you, you big old introvert. Find a podcast that inspires you. Find a friend who will watch your kids while you make stuff and then offer her the same gift. Find a spouse who understands all of your many beautiful facets and reminds you to take time to shine them to brilliance. Find a creative coach if you need one to help you with accountability, feelings of doubt, or sharing your work. If you want to work with me, just let me know.
Elevate Creativity To The Level Of Self-Care.
We make time for the gym, for therapy, for manicures for goodness’ sake. Make time for your art! Tania Walsh and I will be running our Let Go and Begin workshops this fall where we join yoga and mindful creating so that you are taking care of your body and your soul. Who you are outside of parenthood is important. Reopen doors you have closed, even if what is behind them seems scary. You have to walk through fear to find clarity. Here is an older post on this idea and for those who would rather listen in their car, I have a podcast episode on it as well.
Teachers And Students Are Connected For Life.
But my oh my, my favorite take away from this podcast interview by far is the honor and love of being Maureen’s teacher all those many moons ago. Helping students recognize the power of their own voices has been my greatest joy. So for those of you who still think about that once special teacher, reach out and let them know. And if you’re reading this, Mr. Garrison, you are still the best.
Talk soon,
x A
I like the idea of elevating creativity to the level of self-care. For me, finding time for self-care is hard but the actual doing is easy and rewarding. I think this is a liberating way to look at creativity, therefore, and maybe more carefree.