Welcome to this week’s mindfulness blog post! This week I want to dive into creative freedom and the power of leaning into our unique selves!

For me, it all started with my Penguono sweater. 

When I knit my Penguono, something came out of me, something deep inside that I really wanted to get out. What I realized is that within me all along, trying to get out, my creative juices burst into the center of my life in the form of a gorgeous handknit!  

AND IT FELT SO GOOD! The process of creating that sweater reminded me of the days when I was a kid and would just create without worrying if anyone liked it or if anything came from it. It was so much fun! I used to make a lot as a kid, even as a teenager, and I didn't care too much about what the world thought. I enjoyed the process of externalizing what was inside me out into the world in a physical form. What my Penguono made me realize is that the time of my life, where creativity flowed freely, didn't have to be over. It could keep flowing and growing. Somehow I'd let it get beat out of me by the world. Has this ever happened to you? 

There are so many things in life that zap our creativity. Barriers that make our creativity go into hiding and we forget its feeling of freedom and possibility. One silver lining of COVID is that it has invited many of us to slow down and sit still. We have more time to pursue hobbies, interests and just be. There is no better moment than right now to lean into your creativity, to let it be free. A few years ago, I came across this Ted Talk, which I make everyone watch. It's called the Art of Being Yourself by Caroline McHugh. This idea is at the heart of my business, when we're the best versions of ourselves, our creativity can flourish. Knitting creativity has helped me find this person again, dig up the me that was there all along but got sidetracked. I feel more in tune with that creative kid I used to be/still am and more inspired to go and make the yarns/patterns/projects I want to see in the world. Getting back to that person has been incredibly powerful. It somehow easier for me to let things roll off me because of it. Maybe it's given me confidence to care less about what others think. But no matter what, it’s been a magical journey that’s allowed me, my business and my family to grow and I am so thankful for that. 

What would it take for you to lean into your creativity, experiment with something new, build something bold, dream something up and then make it a reality -- when and how have you been able to do this during isolation? Let that creativity spread its wings and fly! And remember, it's not about the destination, it's the journey. Don't think too much about what the end product will be, just let things flow - that is where the magic of your unique creativity will emerge-- along with a returning to your true nature.

Thank you so much ~ cannot wait to see your knits!

Amy