Some years I feel I am leaping into what is next; ready and excited. 2015 started differently, with quiet thinking and slow germination. I’ve been gnawing on what I want to strive for in 2015. So many of my favorite bloggers seem to be contemplating simplicity and so much of what they are saying resonates with me. And yet, simplicity isn’t quite what I’m itching for. I keep coming back to two experiences. The first is something I’ve blogged about, the book Mighty Ugly –creativity coming from a place of awareness and instinct. The other is a talk by the amazing Alexia Abegg . What she discussed really stuck with me. I keep her words tacked up on my wall:
- Practice trusting your instincts
- Practice creativity at the gut level
- Do not over-inflate the importance of perfection
- Have the discipline to DO rather than DESIRE
The last two, evil perfection and lack of discipline…those are always important. But the first two bowled me over. It hadn’t occurred to me that we can practice these things. I don’t have to have the whole instincts/gut level stuff all figured out!? I get to practice it. I practice by doing! I practice by sharing the doing! Well hot dog! That right there is life-changing, right?
All of this rattling around my brain got me to the idea of creative adventuring. What do I want more than anything? I want to enjoy making and explore it like an adventure. And, I want to communicate and share all of the adventure and joy. Not the perfect tutorial kind of sharing; the genuine experience, even if that means a messy, wonky, off-kilter kind of sharing.
It’s the year of creative adventuring, y’all!
This year I will be asking myself these central guiding questions before I embark on a project: Is this true to myself? Is this a creative adventure that will further infuse my life with joy and greater beauty? How will I bring creative adventuring to this project in a way that reflects my style?
I will be sharing more of the books, music, podcasts and other sources of inspiration I come across. I will be bringing more of my creative adventuring to my kids with child-led projects and to my classes. I want to focus on the process and not the product of creative projects; make things for exploration and adventure rather than for purpose.
Lastly, the piece I’m most excited about: I’m not going to buy any new clothes this year. All year, I will either make them or buy them second-hand. Parameters and restrictions can be so helpful in triggering creativity so I am going for it. I’m a little terrified, to be honest. If I sound extra decisive it’s because I’m as determined as I am uncertain. It’s quite the mix of emotions. I’m also super curious about what it will be like. And, I can’t wait to keep you all updated on how it goes. #creativeadventuring here we come!
To kick things off I’m joining in two existing endeavors:
The Creativity Club over at Elsie Marley (it’s no secret that I’m obsessed with all things Elsie Marley and this looks especially fun!)
Wardrobe Architect 2015 Challenge at The Coletterie.
Be sure to check them out (and join!), they look great!
I so love reading your posts. They always make me think. Not hard core intellectual thinking but that kind of honest, vulnerable stuff that is so important in creating and in life.
First – great stacks of books! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
Second – I really love your 2015 goal – no purchased, new clothing. Not only does it spark thinking creatively, but it makes you think about how we consume, what we really NEED, what we will actually wear. That kind of thoughtfulness, coupled with the creation, sounds so satisfying. Hmmmm …. making me think about taking a few moments to figure out my goals, not just my “list”.
Thanks, as always1!!
What a wonderful comment, Beth! I always love hearing your perspective. I’m so glad it resonates. Yes! The consuming and the need and what I actually wear! All things I hope to dig into this year. I’m sure you will see many of the results! Here to 2015!
YES! I love this. Isn’t it funny how many of us are looking to simplify and pare down in 2015? I’m one too, but haven’t gathered my thoughts into a blog post or whatever. But I’ve decided it and I’m already (sorta) doing it. I’M MAKING WHAT I WANT. So I’m in support of whatever you do here with the blog, it’ll be fun to see your other sources of inspiration and non-sewing posts! Yay!
Yes! Making what I want! So far this year, it hasn’t been sewing…who would have thought? Thanks for your ever-present support. I can’t wait to see where this year takes you, friend!
That same talk was very inspiring for me as well. The practicing! Of course, it is so simple – anything needs to be practiced so we can master it, but we so often overlook that part of sewing. For me that means more play! And embracing the imperfection of it all. I applaud you on your goal of making all of your clothing or buying secondhand. I can’t wait to see where that takes you.
Thanks so much Erin! Alexia is a goddess, isn’t she! Practice is so much more fun that already knowing it all. Yay for us and our fun!
What an inspiring post to read at the beginning of the year! I can’t wait to hash through it all with you. And to see what you do and make. Thank you for your thoughtfulness– it brings it out in me too.
Yes! Agreed.