Where I've Been

I like to think of myself as a fairly easy-going person. I have always taken pride in my ability to “go with the flow” and adjust to change. When Kevin told me he’d be changing work schedules every three months, I was a tad apprehensive, but I knew we’d adjust just fine. I have to admit though, it’s thrown me off. A lot. He’s currently working midnight to 8:30 a.m., which means he’s sleeping while I’m at work and waking up when I get home. It doesn’t sound that bad, I know, but it’s really affected me. Couple that with so many life changes going on around us – weddings, babies, birthdays, graduations – and I’ve been overwhelmed with life.

            When that happens, I tend to retreat within myself. For me, that means losing myself in books. That means I stop blogging, I stop crafting or painting, I stop everything and read. It’s what keeps me sane. I used to feel a lot of guilt for that. I used to get angry with myself because I’m not able to keep a constant creative flow going. But then, recently, it dawned on me that my various creative outlets are supposed to make me feel joy and happiness, not guilt and frustration. Whenever I’m feeling this way, I need to do what I need to do to keep my anxiety at bay. It’s OK to give yourself a break.

            So that’s where I’ve been – on a mental retreat, waiting for this little storm to pass. I’m thankful that I’m beginning to feel more in control of my life again and know that sunny days are ahead

 

Comments

[Amy]

Miss you <3

[Kerrie]

Hi Christen, We met at TCC last year during the pitch slams. I can identify with turning to books when life gets crazy. I hope you're reading something good! Happy reading, and hang in there :-)

[Ellen]

You remind me of when my husband went to sea. Everyone said "Oh, you will enjoy your time, time to create." It didn't go that way for me. I felt off, out of place. You are wise to listen to yourself and know what works for you~ We have to embrace what comforts us! Take Care~

[Sandhya Larsen]

Hi Christen,

I relate so well to what you wrote about losing yourself in books when you're feeling overwhelmed by life. Going off to read a book in a quiet nook is exactly what I like to do, too, when the going gets rough. Novels and biographies are my choices for times like this.

Awhile back, I encountered an interesting question on a singles website: "What is your simplest pleasure?" Lying on my bed reading a good book with my kitty cat by my side, I answered, while listening to the wind blowing through the trees outside.

I like your blogging style, Christen. Open and honest about who are and what you've been up to. Thanks for sharing!

- Sandhya Larsen

[Suzanne Drolet]

I can really relate to this post! There have been so many times in the past when I felt guilt for not making art. I felt as though I was letting other people down. My heart wasn't in it at that moment in time.
Since then I have decided to only make art / crafts when I am in the moment. When it is truly making me happy.
I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one!
Thanks for sharing!

[Charis]

Hi Christen.. I do this too! It's so good to know that others do it too :)