Focus on the essentials

 

Focus on the essentials

This is one of the minimalism mantras. You will find references to it here, here.

I’ve read lots (hundreds) of articles on minimalism, simple and intentional living. The core principle of minimalism is to cut out the superfluous so you can focus on the important.

I’ve recently gained an extra evening in after finishing my counselling course. While I’m still between courses (photography or writing next), I’ve decided to dedicate a fixed period of time for crafting. I’m the queen of excuses when it comes to working on a project in a whiny sort of voice in my head;

“oh, the sewing machine is ALL the way over theeere.”

“I have no time, I’ve got laundry, cleaning, work, and all this paperwork, to sort out”

“Hand-quilting is sooooo booooooring”.

“I’m not very good at choosing fabrics, or I can’t find a pattern”

 

Meh. I’ve used them all. But you know what? I absolutely LOVE creating things. It’s been something I’ve always come back to, and I love learning new things in the crafting world. So why all the excuses?

Because I tend to convince myself that I shouldn’t use the time for something I LOVE. Sound familiar?

Here’s an idea:

 

Set aside a chunk of time to do exactly what you LOVE and nothing else.

 

It works, trust me. I set aside 1.5 hours each week, to go and meet my writing group. Nothing else happens here except writing and connecting with close friends. There are no distractions involved. I often achieve my best and most insightful writing at these times. I am convinced it is because I give myself permission to spend the time, just writing. In contrast, if I try to write or craft or do something at home, there are always distractions.

 - programme on TV

- Internet

- Emails (oh my I haven't checked them in the last 5 minutes!)

 

My answer to this is to set aside time for myself to work on my projects. I don’t get enough of the awesome satisfaction of finishing a project, because I rarely work on them. Therefore, I’m turning my crafting into one of my essentials, to spend time on each week. I can’t wait!

Blogging is also essential to me, but I only have limited time. Therefore, I’ve withdrawn from the 52 weeks of happy project (sorry Jen, and all the others), because I spent too much time worrying about having enough variety in those posts. I'm grateful for the project though, because it helped me notice the small things that bring pleasure.

The increased crafting time will also give me some stuff to show you on the blog, as I have various works in progress and things to make! Exciting stuff (I think so anyway)

p.s. My 12mm crochet hook arrived in the post (a present from my partner), and the rug in progress got unravelled to make way for the awesome Simply Crochet pattern, instead of just winging it! Yipeeeeeeeee

Your turn. What are your essentials, and how do you make time for them? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.