Find time to be creative

It's no mystery that kids can take up a lot of your time and energy. After chasing my 14 month old around all day, the idea of settling down at my sewing table for a late night of work can be downright terrifying. I'm still trying to navigate mamahood and discover what works for me, but I thought I'd share these super helpful tips to find more time to create...or do whatever it is you love to do!

►Nap time is the best time. Sure there are chores to tackle, but creating is more fun. Use your free time to tackle one project at a time. And don't get frustrated if things get cut short. Because they will.

►Get everything ready to sew/knit/crochet/paint/whateveryoulike the night before. That way you can just jump head first into things when you have a free moment.

►Better yet, wake up EARLY. Again, terrifying, but if you can get yourself in a routine of getting things organized for the next day and heading to bed early, you can do it. Set a 10pm bedtime and things will get a whole lot easier.

►Take things on the road! Heading out on a family trip? Pack some things that are car-friendly that you can work on. Doesn't apply to your current projects? Consider picking up a new trade and practice along the way!

►Don't expect to do it all! I can't tell you how many ideas I have bouncing around in my head All. The. Time. But there simply aren't enough hours in the day to do everything. Just knowing that you aren't alone on this front can be reassuring. Prioritize what you want to work on and keep a running list of projects.

►Schedule in time for creativity. If you're like me, sewing is a great release for everyday stress. So just like chores, meetings, or appointments, I schedule in a time when I 'have to be sewing'. For me, Thursday nights are for sewing. Axel watches Amaia and we eat leftovers or order takeout, so there's no added stress. I look forward to it all week.

►Have a set sewing space. Keep all your essential supplies right at hand so you can again jump right into things when you have a free moment.

►If your kids are old enough, get them involved too. There are lots of terrific kids sewing projects out there to try.

I hope these tips help you carve out a little more time to find some creativity in your life. And if you have any advice of your own, please do share!

Until next time.

Alyssa/Amaia Papaya Shop

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