This is the lovely Lisa Leonard necklace we received at The Creative Connection.
For some reason, this gift really touched my heart. I’m not always a sentimental person, but this makes me a little sentimental.
“Create a handmade life”
The focus for me is on the “create.”
Sometimes I wonder if my life was meant to be more creative. Less pantyhose, more paint-splattered jeans. Less 8-5, more when the mood strikes. Just more “me.” I should sew more, craft more, paint more, write more, read more….
But, the truth is, life is only what I create it to be. And, I’m where I’m at in life for a reason. Ryan and I are both blessed with jobs – good jobs. We’re able to rehab old houses on the side. I can afford to dabble in whatever craft strikes my mood that day.
Sometimes, I think those of us who have corporate-type jobs feel that what we do isn’t creative. But, what if it was? That’s how I’m going to try to begin challenging myself and I encourage you to do the same. How can I think outside the norm (even when I’m inside the norm)? It’s time to really focus on creating my own handmade life. Even if my handmade life isn’t exactly, well, handmade?
I think Ryan and I have made a really great start on this. Now, I’m realizing it’s time to focus on this even more.
I’m the only one who can create my own handmade life. And, it’s not going to look like yours. That’s the beauty of it, I think.
What about you?
Thank you, Lisa, for this lovely gift. I hope you know how much I’ve thought about it’s meaning since bringing it home.
End note: I had to send my camera in to be repaired. It wasn’t focusing. So, I had a hard time getting a good shot of this necklace. But, this is the best I could get it with my point and click and a lamp. Forgive me. 😉
Love it — what a great post!! 🙂
I love all of your posts….but this just might be my favorite.
I have been loving and wearing that necklace more than I thought I would. Somehow it gives me comfort while I am in the daily grind at work and wishing I was painting or sewing somewhere else. Because I know that job is allowing me to be creative later. And I just have to be patient…
Wow, I can totally relate, Kim! I just started reading your blog – my husband and I just purchased our first home and it’s definitely a fixer-upper. I also work for a large company in a typical corporate job, and I have had many of the same thoughts as you on creating the life you truly want. I sometimes feel like my job isn’t my “calling,” but it sure does allow me to do other projects I enjoy at home.
Our new blog is: OurSoundHome.blogspot.com
I love this post. I get so jealous of people who get to stay home and work on their houses whenever they want, and I’m stuck behind a desk 40 hours a week. But it’s true- this is my life, and I believe in what I do at work, so I don’t mind that it takes up so much of my time. I CAN’T mind. Thanks for the perspective.
Ahhh, if only this had a like, no scratch that, a LOVE button.
I left my corporate number crunching job for what I thought was a more creative (yet still corporate) job only to find myself going back to the 8-5 number crunching to allow me time outside of work again to be creative.
I was just thinking this morning about how I should stop worrying about how little time/money/fill in the blank I DON’T have and really appreciate everything I do have. Because truly, I have way more than enough; It’s my own mis-management that makes me feel otherwise.
Love this post. I feel so trapped in my office job with my 10 key and my Excel spreadsheets. But if it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t be able to afford all of my hobbies and projects, let alone a house to put them in!
Oh that’s adorable!!! And so true
And my brand spankin new camera was doing that… turns out it was an in camera setting that got tweaked 🙂
I love that quote. I feel you, too…after our jobs there’s little time to be creative but we gotta make time! : )
This idea, to me, is very similar to the “you’re in charge of your own happiness”. I was just talking with John last night about how I wish I had a “creative” job. But I think the grass is always greener on the other side.
i love your words, i love that the necklace inspires you. sending hugs!
Wow, what a beautiful post. I so often feel stuck in corporate when I’d rather be rehabbing a house, and someday I’d love for old houses to be my full-time gig, but we’re a (long) ways away from that right now. And I get impatient instead of looking for ways to do something with where I’m at. So thanks for the great reminder.
Love this post Kim. All of our lives are what we “create”. I think if we live with purpose we end up where we’re supposed to be. And just so you know….there are days I’d certainly trade my paint spattered jeans for some pantyhose. 😉 ♥