I love this reminder that grounding yourself in what you love will bring the right people into your life. I wonder what kind of possibility would you be welcoming in if you put a one or two more hours of energy into connecting with the larger community through sharing what you're learning, no matter what you're most interested in right now.
Creativity comes in all shapes and sizes, and sharing yours could mean blogging your first video tutorial even though your voice sounds funny (it doesn't!) and you don't know what you're doing (we're all making it up!). It could mean teaching a free online workshop in a skill you have, volunteering in your neighborhood or even inviting friends over to make a craft you choose on Pinterest. It could be asking a grandparent, neighbour, or a friend over for a homemade meal without needing an occasion or fixating on making everything perfect. It could be mean publishing that scary blog post or registering for your first craft sale even if it gives you butterflies in your stomach and makes you want to hide under your bed a little.
Sometimes it can feel hard to make friends or it can feel like everyone is so addicted to busy that they're passing you by. Sometimes just having a passion that's solitary, or loving a craft or hobby that's not shared by your friends, can be a recipe for loneliness.
The best remedy to getting caught up in that whirlwind that I know is to slow down and get up to our elbows in sharing our unique gifts with the world. It helps the people around us, but it also stokes the fires of our hearts and reminds us if why we love what we love.
I hope you aren't having one of those lonely or down days, but if you are remember the right people are out there, even if they seem hard to find today. You never know what possibility is right around the corner. And not only is sharing your talents brave, it invites possibility to stop milling around outside and make itself at home all ready. There's lost time to make up for, after all.
What did sharing your creative passions bring into your life last year?
Do you have any creative ways to beat the blues?
image: Minna May Blog
LAST UPDATED ON: January 17th, 2013
CATEGORY: All Business & Blogging Posts Content Marketing Strategy
Hello,
I discovered your blog on Bloglovin and I love it! Very inspirational. I am following now on Bloglovin and on twitter. Keep up the good work! Pamela
Wish I’d seen this quote and post about five minutes ago…might have stopped me chasing someone I know I shouldn’t via text…alas…Still, live and learn. x
Funny how I’m not having a great time and come across this! Thank you :)
<3 I went to the last session of an anxiety management group today and we talked about how getting caught up squashes our ability to be open to our own creativity. There are lots of messages in this post that I love, but I think that is the most beautiful one. Thank you Kyla. It's been a while since I stopped by, but I'm so very glad I did. x
Wow! This is exactly what I needed to hear. I have been contemplating the friend thing for awhile now and chasing people who I know aren’t good for me instead of focusing on what I am passionate about. Thanks for sharing…I am going to stick that quote on my fridge or something so I don’t forget
I love this post (and the quote)! You make very, very good points that I feel everyone needs to remind themselves of from time to time.
Oh, Kyla. I love this. So much.
Gives me just the encouragement I need to try something new I’ve been contemplating. :)
Love this. One upside of my fiance up and leaving me is that I’ve got more free time to devote to the passions I already have and discovering more. It’s amazing how quickly your circle of friends grows when you go out and share what you love with the world.
Love this post, such a good reminder and timely too, thanks for sharing:-)
Sometimes it can feel hard to make friends or it can feel like everyone is so addicted to busy that they’re passing you by. Sometimes just having a passion that’s solitary, or loving a craft or hobby that’s not shared by your friends, can be a recipe for loneliness.
Exactly! My main passion besides yoga is reading – hello quiet times! I’m starting a book club or two this year in order to get some friend time in while still enjoying my favorite hobby. I may even try to get them to read some yoga books.
Yup, I like it.
I find that whenever I’m dragging my feet, not wanting to go out, or meet up with a stranger for fear that “they won’t like me” or “it will be weird,” I’m rewarded if I push past that. Don’t let the fear of failure keep you stagnant. Also true online!
Well I love our little monthly knitting nights! It’s great to sort of remind myself to enjoy creative outlets, like knitting, and it’s great to talk with you and Becky as I always walk away feeling lighter and happier!
I agree with the sentiment, though not the means by which to get there, if that makes sense. I agree that you don’t waste your time chasing people who are not open to you or willing to reciprocate in some meaningful way and you definitely hold onto the people who do. But, to just “put yourself out there” and hope the right people will flock to you seems a bit passive to me. Rather, don’t we find that right mix by putting ourselves out there and intentionally seeking out others we want in our lives?
That’s what I meant Nilsa- my suggestions were all ways to getting active in what you love, and then find way to do that that brings other people in or gets you out in your community rather than staying at home or working on your own :)
Great post! Thank you for these words. I’m definitely having one of those lonely days… well ok more like one of those lonely half decades.
Aw, I’m sorry Alli! It’s so hard when you’re in the middle of it, but I hope you look for little opportunities to get some of that connection back in your life and have some more fun while you’re at it :)
I love this post! Perfect timing, lady. Recently a handful of my closest friends moved to different parts of the country which has left me feeling a bit lonely and doubtful that, like you said, the right people are out there. Now that so many of my favorite people are far away, I’ve been unmotivated to get out there and connect with new people. Thanks for the little boost of inspiration :) Staying home is certainly *not* the best way to get back on my feet.
I went through that a few years ago too, Heather- it seemed like everyone I had been friends with was packing up and moving to different parts of the country! It can feel like a big hurdle to get out there again, but I know you can do it & it only gets easier :)
Great reminder for personal. . . and business alike.Thank you.
Thanks Julie! It’s part of the reason I’m blogging again- there’ve been too many great people and fabulous possibilities that came my way through blogging to pass them by :)
I’ve been contemplating this very thing! Probably because I’ve been so encouraged and helped by others bravely sharing their talents and thoughts; teaching and challenging me. To beat the blues, cleaning something or creating something lifts my spirits.
Catherine Denton
I’m glad to hear that- and don’t forget that your work is inspiring & encouraging people every day too! You never know who you’re helping become a little more brave :)
Love this! And perfect timing. Thank you.
Thanks for reading, Nancy!