One question I get asked all the time is, “How do you find time to do all this”? A close second is, “I keeping pinning/filing away ideas on projects that I want to do but never find time” or “I want to do so many things around the house but my days are so packed with kids activities, chores, housework…..I never get time to indulge in my creative side”. Contrary to what many might assume no, I haven’t mastered some trick that conjures up more hours in a day. Nor do I posses any uncanny abilities to get more done in less time. But what I do have figured out are ways to find some “me” time, a couple of hours a week, where I get to explore my creativity. A way of life that stemmed out of a sheer need to stay sane not only for my sake but also for everyone around me. Being creative is my outlet from all the stress in life like watching television, reading a book, or even going for a walk is for some. If I go a couple of weeks without “doing/ making” something I start my “I’m getting bored, I need to do something” rant and get frustrated. It could be anything from a small craft, painting a room, planting some bulbs, or even trying out a new recipe. As long as I get a few chances at putting the right side of my brain to work, I’m a happy gal.
It took me a while to figure out this “need” of mine but ever since I’ve adapted my schedule to fit it in. I assure you, if I can do it so can you. In light of all the questions that I’ve gotten on this topic here are some things that have worked for me in managing my time and letting my creative juices flow.
Learn to say NO
You do not have to say “yes” to every activity/ event/ commitment that comes your way. It is ok to say no. And most of the time people around you will understand. Prioritizing your activity schedule and saying no to the ones that are past the midpoint on your list is a key time management skill that I have learned the hard way. Occasionally I do tread off the path due to social pressures only to realize that I have driven myself into more stress and to the brink of having a meltdown. So I fully understand that it is not always going to happen but a no here and there can translate to more creative time for ya.
Plan your day/ week ahead
Writing down or using an app to plan your activities for the day or week will give you an idea of what free time you have. With that info in hand you can plan for craft store trips or on taking classes online etc. ahead of your actual creative time. That way you are ready to get your hands dirty and indulge in your creative side when the next free time slot is available.
Embrace Imperfection
Everything doesn’t have to be perfect all the time. You don’t have to wait till you have the perfect window of time to start your project. And when you find the time to make that craft that you’ve wanted to make for so long, scrap book that has been on your mind for over a year, wreath you wanted to make for your front door last Spring, portrait shot of your children that you had planned on shooting yourself ever since they were babies…..just do it. It does not have to turn out perfect. What matters the most is that you made it which is any day more precious than what you can buy off any store shelf. You’ll find as much joy in creating the project as in the final product.
Research
If you have your mind set on recreating a project that you have seen online or at a store, first research it online. With the ever increasing popularity of blogs and Pinterest someone is bound to have done the project before you. If someone has already gone thorough the trouble of finding out an easy way to do what you are planning on doing then why waste your valuable time figuring out what works best? I assure you all the creative folks out there believe…..
So there are plenty of tutorials and classes out there waiting for you to just try your hand at them.
Believe in your creative skills
They say the worst enemy of creativity is self doubt. Believe you are creative. Know that you are. Make that the most important habit of all. That project you saw over here or another blog and marveled at how pretty it looked but doubted whether you could recreate……You can, of course you can. And you know what, remember you don’t have to be perfect to be creative.
The more you indulge in your creativity the more creative you become. The grass is always greener where you water it.
All fired up to take on that project that has been alluding you all along? In case you were looking for some project ideas or classes here is a great bundle that some of my blogger friends put together (affiliate link). The Ultimate DIY Bundle is an awesome collection of 75 e-books and e-courses gathered from expert DIY and craft bloggers with a total value of $1200+, all for a discounted sale price of $34.95.
There are projects that the whole family can get involved in – from pet photography and home decor to chalk pastels and tassels. It also includes 5 bonuses; a crafting class from Craftsy.com (up to $60 Value), a free gift certificate and 8×10 art print from Hope Ink Art ($43 Value), a free $15 store credit to Fawnsberg.com, and a free sewing pattern PLUS a Premium Video Class from UpCraft Club ($19.99 Value).
No worries if you are unsure about your purchase as you are covered by the Ultimate Bundles 30-day money-back guarantee. That means you have a full 30 days to enjoy all the eBooks and eCourses in the bundle, and if you don’t think they provided enough value, you’ll get a full refund.
Can’t wait to try out all the projects in the bundle. As expected my favorite section is;
Did I tell you they even have sewing (something I have been wanting to learn for a long time) and photography classes/books? Hurry the sales end Jan 26th!
Happy Creating!
Topics Include
* Crafts * Holiday & Seasonal * Home & Garden * Home Decor * Photography * Scrapbooking & Journaling * Sewing * The Business of DIY * Writing *
Disclosure:Post contains affiliate links. Read the fine print about this bundle and read the answers to frequently asked questions about the bundle.
Great article.Much needed for today.
Such inspirational words, “me” time is very much necessary for any of us. Love Pinky