I’ve been in a bit of a slump lately.
There’s so much good stuff happening right now: books releasing, speaking engagements, book signings, school starting, toddlers talking – all of it is awesome. But it’s also all really overwhelming.
Currently, I am caught in the vortex of necessary work, which isn’t nearly as fun as spinning in the vortex of creatively inspired work. Launching books requires a different set of skills – the skills that don’t come as comfortably or naturally to this creative mama.
Marketing myself? Oh, how I hate it. And yet, it’s a necessary part of the writer’s job. Lately, however, I’ve been missing the art. I miss the craft of writing. But with little time in my busy days to dive back into it, I’m looking for other ways to feed my creative soul.
Because if the creativity doesn’t work its way out, I just might break down.
This is a common theme among creative mothers. We love our art, but the time in which to divulge in it is minimal, particularly when there are young children at home. I spoke to one creative mother a few weeks ago who confided that despite having consistent free time in her days with all her children finally in school, she still found it difficult to tap into the fullness of her creativity.
“I get them on the bus, then head to my craft room, and I just stare at the supplies. I finally have the time I need, but I’m feeling entirely uninspired.”
Oh, it’s a tightrope, this life of creativity and mothering. We inch our way along, at times completely unable to indulge in art at all, because motherhood takes up all the time.
And there are other times when the cracks of our days lengthen into wider spaces of free time, and the art won’t flow – such a cruel joke.
So what are we to do?
Here are a few tips for the creative who isn’t feeling creative
1.) Don’t Force It
The days that I most enjoy my family are the days that I don’t wake up demanding artistic perfection from myself. When I accept that there simply won’t be time to squeeze in the art, I can focus fully on the kids without an ounce of guilt.
[Tweet “An artistic mother is fueled by creative inspiration, and inspiration cannot be forced.”]
2.) Look for the Art in a New Place
I am a writer – that’s what I do. I’m not a decorator or a baker. I can’t sew a button on a shirt, and though I love singing, I cannot create music on my own. My gift lies almost solely in words. But what do I do when the words won’t come?
I look for other ways to let the art out.
I’m not a good photographer, but I like trying my hand at it. My favorite artistic expression outside of writing is through the camera. No one will be paying me for my photos anytime soon (or ever, for that matter), but the simple act of pulling my camera out and playing around can unlock the words in mighty ways.
[Tweet “Art begets art, and creativity will inevitably find its way out of an artistic mother.”]
3.) Simply Do Something
I’ve said it before – if moms can do one thing every day outside of mothering, we often find that we can breath a little easier. The accomplishment of knowing that I got one thing done lets me rest my head peacefully on the pillow at night.
Some days, inspiration hits and the time to create is magically present. Those days are a gift, and I cherish them. But they’re rare.
Most days are a little more parsed out. Wallowing in frustration doesn’t help anyone, so I simply take heart in my ability to do something. Maybe it’s post a picture on Instagram, or perhaps I have time to punch out a blog post. Maybe I can manage nothing more than a few necessary emails, or maybe I’ll have time to work on my next book.
[Tweet “There isn’t time for everything on any given day, but there’s always time for something.”]
At the end of this life, I want to look back without regret. I’ll see seasons of life that were all mothering, and seasons that gave way to the art. But I’m certain I’ll not look back and see a life that somehow balanced it all.
And that’s okay.
In just one short month, my second book hits bookshelves!
Life Creative: Inspiration for Today’s Renaissance Mom
* is now available for preorder, and I do hope you’ll enjoy it. The book is chock full of encouragement for moms trying to walk this tightrope of creativity and motherhood.
Check out our Instagram feed for daily inspiration, and our website for more information on the book!
The book, Life Creative, is amazing. I am enjoying being on the launch team and helping promote this great book. Blessings.
Thank you so much, Melissa! We appreciate you!
It is such an encouragement to hear that other mothers have the same struggles as I do. Lately I have really embraced allowing myself to not “do” anything some days, to just drink in the days with my kids. But I can’t go for too long without having time by myself to create.
Yes! That time to create is so important, but we also have freedom to not create if there isn’t time or inspiration. We just have to allow ourselves that freedom. And that’s hard for us driven mamas. 🙂
Both time to create and time from not creating anything are equally important. I am really enjoying being on the launch team for Life Creative and the message the book contains.
Thanks, Patti! We’re so thankful for you!
So happy to a part of this launch team! Thankful for the message it relays.
Thanks Sande!
I love the book so far. I realy did love your video about the hairdryer and the flower. sorry for that. Thank you for me being a part of the LC pre reading team.
Eveline
Ha! Keeping it real. We are so thankful for you and your support, Eveline!
Thank you for sharing this! And for writing Life Creative. I enjoy being a part of the Book Launch Team!
Hi Evie – We’re thankful to have you. Thanks for bringing this message to a different part of the world! 🙂
Thanks for sharing this, I love this, “There isn’t time for everything on any given day, but there’s always time for something.” I am loving the book so far and very excited to be a part of the launch team.
Hi Shannon – thank you for joining us! We feel so blessed by this group of artistic ladies!
I am so blessed to be a part of this amazing Launch Team for Life Creative! I am loving every page of this book so far and the message speaks to me as a mother of grown children and a grandmother with grandbabies at home. What an encouragement that there is always time to do something! Thank you, Kelli!!
I so agree with you! Perspective is everything in keeping us from getting discouraged! Some days don’t allow for much other than putting out the proverbial family fires, and other days baby takes an extra long nap and you can do something besides clean! 🙂
This book has been so fun to read plus it is bring back many fond memories of when my girls were young. I’m honored to be a part of the book launch team. I also enjoyed meeting you at the Becoming Conference. Though my girls are grown now, I know I can share all the insights I’m gaining with the young Moms in my life. Thanks so much!