What do I mean by that?
Well, creating something for yourself, crocheting an item just for you, can help you slow down. On the other hand, focusing too much on the external factors, others approval, crocheting the “right” way and being in a rush to finish a crochet project can become stressful.
So let’s dive into how crocheting can be a stressor and how we can use it to slow down instead:
Get the crochet pattern for Zoey top and learn how to crochet this cute and simple ribbed top, click here.
Being in a rush
Sometimes I notice how I rush to get ”somewhere”.
I am in a hurry to finish projects, because I falsely believe that my work is not good enough, so I shouldn’t take my time with it – it’s better to get it over with so I can get to the next step where I will do and be better than before.
In that state the present is never enough.
I am too hard on myself, judging myself for not doing it good enough and judging myself for rushing and not taking my time. Because I know that I am good enough, but in that moment I am out of touch with myself and the truth.
I feel behind in life and in my creations. I feel that I am not good enough and therefore I have to catch up with everything I have not yet done. I have to reach every goal I have not yet reached, so I can feel good enough in the present moment. But it makes no sense as I am abandoning the present moment to be somewhere else that is not here. Be stuck in my mind and in the future and in my worrying.
A to-do list that never ends
Get the crochet pattern for Belle dress and learn how to crochet a romantic and reversible wrap dress, click here.
It feels like I’m in a race with myself. I am on negative 100 and have to rush mentally just get to zero.
It feels like having a whole list of to-do’s and everytime I cross off something, 10 more things appear. And no matter how much I do, crochet or rush the feeling of inadequacy just becomes worse and worse.
Sometimes I find myself getting annoyed about how many ideas I have in mind because I feel like I’m out of time – that if I had to create all of that I wouldn’t sleep, eat or do anything else for the rest of my life. It feels exhausting.
Enjoying the unfinished projects
Get the free crochet pattern for this bag and learn how to crochet a granny square bag for free, click here.
Then this morning I noticed something. I noticed the dress I have been working on for weeks that I have never felt rushed with and the items that are finished, yet I haven’t even woven in the ends – and I don’t care!
I don’t mind having unfinished projects and taking my time when I feel the intention to crochet and create arises from me. Authentically. Without expectations from the outside world.
I am practising telling myself:
I am enough.
I have enough.
I don’t need to do more, to be okay, worthy or successful.
I don’t need the things I create.
I have and am enough right now.
I create because I want to, not because I need to.
I create for myself, not for others.
When my focus is outwards on the world and what I think is expected of me it will never be enough – because there will always be a need out there, there will always be expectations but it’s not my job to please others, do it the “right” way, post the right things at the right time, create the “right” things at the right time.
The need to rush comes from fear.
I get scared that I won’t be able to continue to create for a living, that what I create will not be enough to pay the bills. I always thought the worst part about having a creative job was not creating or having ideas enough but it’s the opposite. The challenge for me is to tell myself that it is enough; that I will still be able to pay my bills even if I create less.
Being a selfish crocheter
Get the crochet pattern for Zoey top and learn how to crochet a simple, ribbed camisole, click here.
When I focus on crocheting for myself I feel my body breathe deeper, I feel more settled, more trusting of myself and my path, because I am here now, and there is not anywhere I need to get to.
Everything happens right now, my ability to sense, create, be present, grow, find safety and slow down – nothing ever happens in the future. It happens now.
Therefore I can’t rush to get somewhere because there is no “there” there. I am not rushing to get somewhere I am rushing because I falsely think that it will make me feel less stressed, incapable and inadequate when in reality rushing makes me feel all those things.
So this is a reminder for me, and for you, to do and be right now from the intention that arises right now inside of you.
Be with that. Create with that. Slow down with that.
Create for you, live for you.
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