I have a confession to make:
I have been unmotivated to make making a priority.
I want to want to do things, but recently I just haven’t.
I’ve not been sad or stressed or too darn busy, I’ve just been choosing to do other things that don’t involve active creativity…
Like reading…
Or playing Block Blast on my phone.
Not horrible options, and yet, not ideal for this typically creative multi-crafter.
Case(s) in Point
I have not touched my Season’s Feeling MAL Scarf in two weeks. TWO WEEKS! Yes, I’ve tracked my feelings so I know what I need to crochet, and yet my basket sits beside my chair simply waiting for me to do something (anything) with it!
And my foray into embroidery? Well, I think I found so much inspiration and ideas for future projects that I just shut down around it! I even found some patterns on Etsy and purchased fabric instead of buying pre-assembled kits but then it all just sat there!
I’ve also not even looked at my Art Journal nor have I finished the online self-paced Illustrated Life Journal course I’ve so enjoyed.
Ugh.
There’s Hope Though!
Yesterday, with my kiddo feeling a little under the weather, I picked up my hook again and crocheted Granny Square Number Four. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll get to Number Five today.
Also, couple of days ago I finally transferred a pattern onto some fabric and selected my colors for a new project.
And my Art Journal? Well, there’s no movement there yet, but surely it’ll call out to me soon.
A Season For All Things
As any (all?) creative knows, there is a season for everything, offering balance to our processes and outputs.
I used to give myself a hard time if I wasn’t getting through the things I wanted to get through in the time constraints I’d placed on myself/the current project. I’ve learned, though, to give myself grace with the understanding that creativity, like healing, cannot be forced.
I recently stumbled upon Kening Zhu’s website and spent some time floating through her abundant publications and offerings. This piece, specifically, answered my Google query “creative ebb and flow”: The Three Rhythms of the Creative Process and I really appreciated the way she maps out the creative stages:
lately, I’ve been thinking of how each stage of the creative process has its own rhythms, but we’ve been taught that there’s only one rhythm: consistency.
I’ll propose a framework of 3 rhythms, which map onto the seasons:
- Inspiration/Ideation — new visions and ideas arriving (spring season)
- Production — the focused, deep flow of materializing an idea into form (summer season)
- Release – the act sharing your work (autumn season).
… and winter, of course, is a season of hibernation and silence.
Which Season?
As we barrel our way through the Holiday Season and into the New Year, which creative season are you currently experiencing? Have you made your peace with that season, or are you striving for something different?
I think I am currently creatively moving from Winter to Spring after a big push through Summer and this feels good 🙂
I hope that, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, and however you’re feeling, you are finding grace and joy in the little moments that feed your heart and soul.
Onward,
Melissa
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I have a quarter finished mini cross stitch project and would love to start/try sketching. Hoping the 3 week holiday coming up might help!
Oh how lovely to have a three week holiday! I hope you fill it with all the things that makes your heart happy!
Melissa, your whole process here resonates for me in so many ways, and I have definitely found myself in the “wintering” stage of creativity in many different actual seasons. These past few months have been pretty much a blur of reading, Block Blast and other diversions, too!
You’re making me think of a few things I came across recently about motivation and the creative process. Possibly, you’ve even inspired me to put digital “pen to paper” and write a response piece!
Also, your feeling scarf is SO cool. I look forward to seeing a picture of you wearing it one day on here (no pressure, though!)
Jessica, I would LOVE to read a response piece from you! If you decide to write one, of course 🙂 I’m glad this resonated with you, regardless.
I will definitely take a selfie when my scarf is finished!
Yay! I’ll be sure to tag your post in it as well. I already started it this morning 😉 So, I can say with almost 100% confidence, it will be completed!
Excellent! How fun 🙂
Did it! Here you go: https://yearoffirsts.blog/2025/12/19/seasonal-discomfort/
Your feeling scarf is just a fascinating idea. Love the colors you choose..
I find myself so stuck in the hamster wheel of life I find myself having less and less time for creativity.
Thank you so much, Hena! Life does have a way of getting in the way of other enjoyable things, doesn’t it? Even on my most intentional days it can still sometimes be a challenge to carve out even a few minutes of creative time! I hope you find some soon and trust you will 🙂
The embroidery project looks lovely. A metaphor of seasons for creativity makes so much sense!
Hi Joy! Her analogy really resonated with me. I’m glad you liked it, too 🙂
When I am feeling that way, I make myself work on something…anything. Not forcefully, but more gently and slowly. Slowly and surely I start feeling better. The stitches and colors of your projects are beautiful. I am sure playing with those colors will uplift your spirit.
-Soma
Thank you for your gentle reminder, Soma. Sometimes we just have to work our way slowly forward until we find our flow again 🙂 Happy New Year!