“I live in Florida, why would I knit?”
We can all find multiple reasons why we don’t want to do something (or perhaps are afraid to try something new), and this is all too common when someone is presented with an opportunity to try a new art or craft. Having had a shop for thirteen years, I might say I have heard it all: “I don’t have time”, “I have arthritis”, “I’m not creative”, “I don’t need that”, “My grandmother did that”, “That’s for kids”. If you are worried about what others might think, well, I give you permission to leave middle school.
During the Covid lockdown, when everyone was in their homes and walking around their neighborhoods, I had a conversation with a highly educated woman who proclaimed that she was bored. As someone who has many creative hobbies – and literally owns the store- I offered to give some yarn and tools and teach her to knit or crochet. “I live in Florida, why would I knit?” was the reply. Not yet a Creativity Coach, I replied with what I thought were good answers – hats and blankets for preemie babies were in need, not to mention family up North. No, she just wanted to complain about being bored.
When I had my first shop on Sanibel Island, I was invited to be a guest speaker at a ladies' church luncheon, where I did a short presentation on creativity and a fun beaded bracelet make and take. There was some resistance to this crafty lady being the program of the month, and when I asked how many of the guests were not creative, about half raised their hands. Of that group, I asked how many cooked, baked, or gardened. Most hands stayed up, and I rewarded their participation with the validation that they were, indeed, creative.
So are you. Everybody is.
Having a creative hobby gives us something(s) to keep busy with, keeps our brains sharp, quells boredom, can offer social connections, and all have a finished end result (most of the time). They don’t usually require others, a scheduled time, or a clear day. We were more than ready to fill our time when the pandemic hit. I have semi-joked most of my life that you can lock me in my room/studio, and as long as I had food and water, I could be infinitely occupied and content.
We are born with creativity. Kids throughout the world are creating, whether with purchased supplies or sticks and stones. Playing pretend, making up games, and mud pies - our imagination lets us be creative yet somewhere along the line, as we grow up, we may shove that imagination and creativity down deep, away, burying it somewhere. It is still there waiting to be uncovered, welcomed, nurtured.
My response to my neighbor, in hindsight, should have been ‘what do you WANT to do?” What would interest you and keep you occupied? I have responses for most of the excuses, except for those who just want to complain. (Actually, my response may be to stop complaining!) Take a moment to yourself and recall the creative child you were and welcome him or her back, even for a short moment. That inner child can help you relax, find peace, enjoyment, purpose – if you let it.
There is a creative hobby out there for anyone interested in learning something new, filling their time – whatever the motivation, I WILL find you a creative outlet. Ask your inner child – or ask me.