realization!

The other day I was at a neighbour's house, and I saw this delightful bunting. It was made of several small rectangles of fabric sewn over a piece of string and on each piece was written a simple quote. It was a gift for her daughter. So simple, so beautiful. As I left her house, I thought, that is so easy and fun; I would like to make one of those.

Then the realization struck: I could easily make one, but I would have to choose to do that instead of the other things that I view as priorities, namely all the "responsible" stuff that has to get done around my house.

I am the type of person (via nature and nurture) that wants to feel like I have all my jobs done before doing something that is pleasurable for myself. But the truth is that there is never an end to all the responsible jobs grownups have. So, I will never really have time to do the pleasurable things if I wait for all my other things to be done first! 

I have known this truth before, in my brain. But there are times when things just hit you viscerally, and this was one of those times. The making of art is a wonderful process that creates peace and energy within me, makes me happy, brings beautiful things into my home. Why not value it more? Sure, there are practical jobs that do need doing, but there are others that could be put aside for a bit. 

Until I put enough value on the art-making side of things, I will never be able to justify within myself choosing that instead of what I view as my responsibilities. I can make a whole bunch of excuses as to why I'm not doing the crafting that I love, but this is the underlying issue I must face and conquer in order to see change in my life. And that, friends, is a realization for me to ponder.