At the start of the year, I made a decision: instead of setting rigid goals, I’d focus on commitments that brought me joy, calm, and creative fulfilment. One of those commitments was to do more of the things I love—activities that make me feel relaxed and allow my creativity to flow.
Crafting has always been my happy place. I love silversmithing, making clothes, and losing myself in the creative process. But this year, I added something new to the mix: crocheting.
It wasn’t a planned addition. My niece asked me to teach her to crochet, and in my enthusiasm, I said yes—only to realise I didn’t actually know how to crochet! So, I decided to learn. What started as a fun challenge quickly became a practice that reshaped my mornings, my creativity, and my business.
From Pressure to Presence
For years, I subscribed to the “5am club” mentality: wake up early, grind, and be as productive as possible before the world wakes up. At first, it worked. But this year, I hit a wall. I found myself staring blankly at my screen, waiting for inspiration or focus that just wouldn’t come.
When I started crocheting, I imagined it would be an evening activity—a way to wind down at the end of the day. But to my surprise, I began doing it in the mornings. Instead of jumping straight into work, I’d spend the first hour of my day crocheting.
The Magic of Creative Flow
That quiet hour, focused on something I love, changed everything. Crocheting engages my brain in a way that’s calming yet creative. It’s a flow state—a place where time slips away, and my mind is free to wander.
What’s been incredible is how this practice has unlocked a well of creativity for my business. The ideas I struggled to find while staring at my screen now come naturally while my hands are busy creating something tangible.
Starting the day this way has had a ripple effect:
- I feel more relaxed and centred.
- I approach my work with fresh energy and perspective.
- I’ve learned valuable lessons about how I work best.
Lessons in Joy and Creativity
This shift has taught me something I wish I’d realised earlier: we don’t have to follow someone else’s rules to be successful. The pressure to be constantly productive or to stick to methods that work for others often leads to burnout, not breakthroughs.
Instead, what if we asked ourselves:
- What brings me joy?
- What helps me feel calm and centred?
- How can I start my day in a way that works for me?
For me, the answer was crocheting. For you, it might be something entirely different—painting, gardening, journaling, or even taking a long walk.
The key is giving yourself permission to prioritise what lights you up. When we create space for joy, we also create space for creativity, inspiration, and fulfilment to flow into every part of our lives.
The Bigger Picture
Crocheting has also taught me a lot about how I approach running my business. There are surprising parallels between the two, which I’ll dive into in another post. (Spoiler: Both require patience, adaptability, and a willingness to unravel and try again!)
For now, I’ll leave you with this: take a moment to think about what brings you joy and how you can incorporate it into your daily routine. Success isn’t about following someone else’s blueprint; it’s about designing a life that works for you.
So, what will you commit to this year that brings you joy? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s lighting you up right now.
Here’s to a year of creativity, balance, and fulfilment. 🌟