Friday, April 5, 2013

on motivation




I had an interesting conversation yesterday with a landscape painter. On discussing his projects, he said that he often needed a deadline to pick up that paintbrush and get painting. Often we like to think of anything involving creativity being a kind of organic process, not something relying on deadlines or something that we need to force ourselves to do. Our creations may not have the scope of an oil painting. It might be a dishcloth we are knitting, a dress we are sewing or a garden bed we are creating. But is there really a "right" moment to start a creative project?

I've often thought of this blog as a little creative outlet. It may not be a fancy one, with its homemade header and sometimes blurry photos. My computer skills may be limited, but it is like having my own little corner of the internet. Surprisingly, many of you do come back often to visit. Your comments are a little ray of sunshine in my day for which I am very grateful. I don't doubt that at many times your comments have given me the motivation to try new projects, and also to finish them.

To be honest, some days I don't really feel like writing. Or knitting. Or sewing. Or even reading. There are times when all I feel like doing is a little mindless Pinterest searching. But I do know that tomorrow I probably will feel like it. The mind can be a fickle thing. So sometimes I push myself to start that new knitting project. Or write that blog post. Because I know the enthusiasm will return, sometimes within minutes of starting. At times it may seem like we are doing it for others, but I know the sense of satisfaction that comes from within when I've made something myself. I believe it is something we owe to ourselves. To do something creatively every day. Even if it's only ten minutes.


So thank you, readers, for sometimes being that kick in the pants I need to motivate myself.




27 comments:

  1. So thank you, readers, for sometimes being that kick in the pants I need to motivate myself.

    And thank you Tania for being the kick that I often need.

    cheers Kate

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  2. I totally agree with Kate - you are a kick up the bum for me (in the most lovely and inspirational way) as I see the photos and read your adventures and it makes me go do the stuff I was putting off :)

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  3. Right back at you! And I totally agree.

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  4. Totally agree with everyone. I don't comment often but looking at your pictures, your kids, your home that is filled with creativity and cooking and little pieces of old and new intermingled together, well it is what I strive for too. I want my home to have that new and old mix too. This year I haven't been in a creative mood and my blog has slipped to the side since before Xmas. Reading your blog today made me realise that my blog is something that I loved and I really should start it back up again.
    Thank you for sharing your family and your life with us, you inspire us to be more creative and to enjoy the little things :)

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  5. I'm in agreement with everyone else.
    I don't often comment, or ever?
    But your blog is very inspiring and gives me a creative kick just when I need it.
    Blessings.

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  6. Your blog is one of the most inspiring to read! Everything you write about comes across SO honest and real. MOTIVATION???? You have plenty and it's infectious.

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  7. I had noticed that you don't blog nearly as often....sometimes once a week if we are lucky...but I figure you will get your mojo back when you find your new direction. I really enjoyed your food blogs and your discovery of more wholesome foods and seasonal eating....so I often check in but mostly your not at home...but I'm patient and will wait ;)

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  8. Ah and reading your posts are sometimes all I need for motivatation!

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  9. Your blog is gorgeous - it is no surprise that people love to come back and comment - I know that it is one of my favourite blogs! :-)
    Sometimes it can be hard to get motivated, but more often than not, once you start, you find that you enjoy it anyway. Speaking of which, I must get motivated to drag my quilt out of the cupboard and continue to cut up squares for it...

    Have a lovely weekend!
    Sarah x

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  10. Hi my name is linda and I have only started to read your blog so far I have enjoyed your sewing your lovely children and your view on the world so thank you for interesting reading

    Linda

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  11. Tania - I am a long time reader (but useless blogger/computer illiterate) and your blog is my inspiration and motivation. Your energy and creativity inspires me to try many things I would not have thought of. Thank you for taking the time to create something so special. Blessings from Jenny (Holt, ACT)

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  12. you could not have written a more beautiful and humble post! I love your blog, truely it is one of my favourites and I could not agree with your sentiments more...I love the enthusiasm that other bloggers can inspire in me and vice verser, but I also love the satisfaction within that I get when I can be creative. The two are not mutually exclusive and I have many non-crafty friends that just don't understand my need to create every day...like you said even if it is for ten minutes. Oh happy creativity to you lovely lady xx

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  13. I love your blog too Tania. I don't blog myself but I do find enormous inspiration from those who do, and a sense of connection in that there are others out there with similar values and aspirations. So thank you for adding your lovely little corner to the blogosphere, and I'm glad that your readers can be an inspiration to you too! fiona x

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  14. Tania, your Blog is SO inspirational! You are so creative, a dedicated Mum and clever and I think you are a lot more motivated than you give yourself credit for. I do think the blogging community is very inspirational in general too as I'm sure I wouldn't have done half the things I've been doing this last year if it wasn't for the inspiration I saw on the posts of fellow bloggers. I've just looked at your previous Post and ity has reminded me that I have material sitting there waiting for me to get around to making the Tova dress. So, thanks for another little urge to put it closer to the to of my list :-) Mel x

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  15. I look forward to reading your blog and love your pictures. It lets me see Australia. You are very creative.

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  16. I love when you write such honest posts like this Tania...it makes me feel as though I am normal too in feeling these things sometimes. Thank you for always allowing a glimpse into your family life and for keeping it real xx

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  17. I always look forward to reading your blog. I have made myself self a few tunics and the washi dress, put flowers in my house and planted kale and garlic because of you. Many other things now I come to think of it. Really quite amazing what a big influence you've had on me.

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  18. The motivation comes and goes here. The end result of a completed cushion cover or new dress makes it all worth while though so is a good motivator.
    Your lovely photos and handmade clothing provide me with plenty of inspiration.
    x

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  19. I think you blog is lovely and always pop over to read a new post...motivation for me I think is hormonal...dont laugh....I have weeks where I could move mountains, and then a week or so in between that I could just lay down and sleep all day....lol...
    Fortunately for me , the garden and the ironing pile, I feel a weekend of motivation coming on....

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  20. So true! I pushed myself sewing little bunnies for my children for Easter, and then had a few days after of being in a state of not wanting to touch anything creative. I could only muster up the energy to read a book. Last night, the urge returned, and I started knitting up a little cape to go with one of the bunnies.
    Creative energy is a fickle beast!
    I love your honesty, btw. Most of the blogs I read are always 'happy happy'. Yours is realistic, which I love. :)

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  21. I SO needed this post today- thank you! I struggle all the time with pushing myself to do those productive, fruitful activities, rather than just veging out or putting things off. When I do push myself to get a task done, I always feel so much better.It's nice to know that other people experience this too- thank you for sharing.

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  22. Tania, I read your blog frequently and often the thought has crossed my mind about what an amazing young lady you are. Always knitting, sewing, baking, cooking from scratch, or encouraging your children in craftwork. You sound like an old-fashioned young mum, just the sort I would like for a daughter. I have two daughters but they are not in the homemaker mould that you are. I hope you find much contentment and satisfaction in your day to day life. God bless.

    Lyn in Northern New South Wales.

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  23. Lovely post, its nice to come here and have a look round your life in order to comment!

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  24. your blog is my fave.
    really!

    xDee

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  25. love checking in with your blog Tania. Its not easy to find time to be creative in amongst all the other 'stuff' us mums have to get through in a day but as you say once you get started it reminds us of part of who we are. Imby x

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  26. Tania, I love your blog and YOU often motivate me. I've made yoghurt pancakes twice in the last two days and I think it's your recipe. I'll be posting it soon as well as how to make yoghurt. Have you made your own yoghurt before? It's SO easy. Have a great week. xxoo

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