If there is one thing you can count on, life will throw you a curve ball when you least expect it.
The question is whether you can hit it or not.
We all deal with life changes differently. The most important thing is how we cope with those changes.
Most of you know what I mean, births, deaths, illnesses, injuries, marriages, divorces, moving, new job, retirement… This list goes on and on. Change isn’t always bad. In fact, sometimes they are really good. Either way, change disrupts what we consider “normal.”
As I shared earlier this month, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My relationships (family, friends, and quilt buddies) helped me through so much of the initial shock. But having a creative outlet, that time when no one was talking and I could get out of my head, was just as important. I needed that time to feel productive and let’s face it “normal.”
Here is the irony of my diagnosis.
I had just found a medication that helped me regulate an autoimmune issue that I had suffered with for almost 30 years. Yup, this medication had changed my life for the better. I was so excited to get off the hamster wheel of doctors telling me they had no clue. Then, the cancer hit.
After 30 years of searching and hopelessness with my autoimmune issue, cancer was actually less scary. Yeah. Cancer was less scary because there was a routine method for treatment, which had a high rate of success.
What does any of this sharing have to do with quilting (the reason you tune in)?
Through all of this, the normalcy of being able to devote a little time each day to being productive. To have CONTROL. To have something familiar and beautiful, was so important to my well-being.
Apparently, the experts agree that hobbies and relationships along with self-care are essential to dealing with life’s transitions. They even state that creativity positively impacts your health!
I take that as a prescription to quilt more. How about you??
Getting into the groove.
During transition, it seems that everything else is taking up your time. You have no time for you. No time to think let alone create.
That should be the first signal that you need to make the time. Pick a small project. One you can pick up for 15 minutes at a time. That little dose every day will make a big difference.
It is all fine and good to say quilt more. But what if your mojo took a vacation during this life event??
I don’t mean this how it may sound but take a hike. Find a few minutes outside, without looking at your screen and just breathe. Walk around the block, or in a park, or anywhere you feel safe.
Take a break from the insanity, the noise, the pressure. It can really help uncrimp your creativity.
I am interested in hearing how you cope with those transitions in your life. Do you have a hobby that helps you?
I am off to get my daily dose of quilting in. How about you?
Happy Quilting
Wise words and great content!
Thank you, Joan! Taking back just that little piece each day is so empowering!
I can relate to the autoimmune issue. I have had rheumatoid arthritis for going on 33 years; but who is counting. Transitions are hard in so many ways. My advice is take care of you first, whatever that means to you. Best wishes.
Connie – I empathize with you as well. My mom has battled RA for 60 years. Thankfully, medications have come a long way! She set a good example and told us never to give up.
You are a role model for those who are going through a life changing event. So many people get stuck in the grieving stage and don’t move forward. It is true that a positive outlook and attitude has a great effect on these events. Keep on being you!
Thank you, Deborah! My grandmother used to quote “Smile and the world smiles with you, cry and you cry alone.” ― Stanley Gordon West, Growing An Inch. It is something I incorporated into my life at a young age. So I try to look at the bright side, whenever I can.
Do you have a good quote to live by?
Thank-you for sharing. I am slowly working through MDs to figure out what is happening with me. Part of it is looking like RA. The Eye MD said the other day, my dry eyes are because of my age and me being a woman :-(. I am finding time for quilting as my eyes allow it. Happy Creating
Donna –
Autoimmune issues are no fun. I hope your doctors are on top of things and helping you out. The tough part of autoimmune issues is that they overlap and sometimes mimic each other. It is like a bird’s nest from a bad bobbin!
I am so glad you are taking time for you. Quilting is great as it lets you be productive and creative, while keeping your mind and body active.
Keep Quilting!
Laureen
Prayers for you this beautiful morning. Prayers you have a complete healing. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis n it’s awful to say the least . I admire your bravery to solder on n I also am so glad you have a good at to treat your autoimmune. God is so good.
Thank you Angie! I am very blessed. My mom has battled RA for decades and it is a terrible disease. I empathized with you. Thankfully, new treatments have been created, which are so much more effective. They can’t reverse the damage but can at least slow the progress
Good for you Laureen! I’m new to your site—I was just trying to find the Luna Moth pattern and got lost wandering around your blog. Super curious about the autoimmune treatment you’ve found, and so sorry that you’ll have to go through the breast cancer regimine…hoping some day soon, that nightmare will be a figment of our daughters’ imaginations! But I love your joy, your attitude, and wanted to say Thank You for putting your thoughts and personal journey out there to inspire your like-minded creators! You never know where the day’s pick-me-up is going to come from, and today it’s YOU! Think I’m going to check out your Whimsy Classes as well as get that Luna Moth pattern! Much light and love, Shay
Thank you Shay! I sent an email with the link to the pattern and more details 😊
Love this creative outlet for you. Wishing you many blessings in everything…. It is lovely seeing you online :). Christie
Thank you Christie!