101st Post

This is my 101^st post. I’m a little more than a quarter of the way through this project, and I thought I’d take tonight to reflect on my experiences so far.

I’ve had moments when I am just so inspired and can’t wait for the chance to work on my project for the day. On the other hand some nights it gets late, and I’d rather read a book or zone out in front of the TV, but I have to do a project instead. It can seem like such a pain, but once I get started sewing or sketching or anything else I begin to lose myself in the act of creating and really enjoy it. Over the past three months I’ve had many moments of uncomplicated pleasure working on something I wouldn’t have done if I didn’t have the accountability of this project and blog.

Sometimes in the past I’ve felt guilty working on something “frivolous” like a drawing when I have so many other more productive things to do around the house. Having made this resolution has given me a certain permission to take time for myself. It’s such a gift to work on things (and share them) without having to worry if they are good enough. I’m working for myself and my own pleasure which has been so freeing.

One thing I didn’t anticipate was that having this blog activates a certain competitive streak that I have to keep reining in. I know that I could drive traffic if I worked on posts ahead, planned out tutorials and photographed each step of my creations. I could also work on extra things on the weekends and stockpile posts for midweek so that I didn’t have to make something every day. Especially on days when I’ve worked on more than one project and have to choose which one to post I’ve been tempted to write about them both and save one for the next day, but that would be cheating. And after all, the only person I’d be cheating is myself.

I’m looking forward to more projects outside now that it’s finally beginning to warm up around here and to seeing what lays ahead. I’m sure the next 265 days will hold their fair share of hurdles, but sometimes the most interesting acts of creativity are born from challenge. Thanks for reading!