Creatively speaking: priorities

#1 thing you will not hear me say about creating things? That I don’t have time. I have the same number of hours as everyone else, it isn’t about “having time”. Its about having priorities and what I decide to do with my time.

Nothing wrong with prioritizing work, family, other hobbies, or even binge watching a new to you TV show. The key is to acknowledge that what you do with your time, ultimately, is what the priority is.

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There’s a reason I am not on Facebook (haven’t been for many years) – it was taking up a lot of time, therefore it was too much of a priority on my free time. Lately I’ve not been prioritizing my fabric crafts as much as I’d like. I’ve also not been prioritizing cleaning up my alphabet stickers, as you can see above.

I have been prioritizing weekly clean-up sessions. Some exciting new projects. Staying ahead and scheduling blog posts. And generally getting in better habits that will boost my productivity.

Some days I am totally selfish and just sit and play with whatever I want to. Nothing wrong with that – it’s taking care of and nurturing myself! Other days, well other days it’s all about paperwork and forms and responsibility. I try to keep a good mix of making space for just for fun alongside need to do items. Some examples include putting away all 100+ layouts I had out for my Tried & True class (that is from the don’t wanna but really should list!) back into their albums. Or reorganizing my desk to accommodate my new embellishments (fun).

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Even if you only have 5 free minutes – a bit of coloring, a bit of creative play can really help keep things going and help you make creativity a priority. Looking for motivation? My friend Kathy is hosting a month-long challenge on her blog encouraging everyone to color – any medium any style – just for a few minutes. You may want to check that out.

I’m always changing and adjusting what is a priority – or what I want to be making. I’m ok with that. It keeps things crafty and interesting around here, that’s for sure!

What crafts or projects have you been prioritizing? What creative play has been making your t0-do list?

12 thoughts on “Creatively speaking: priorities”

  1. I just finished 2 layouts. The first was a 12×12 that I stamped and watercolored the background. The second was a small 66×8, but I stenciled and misted the background, and I hand cut a bunch of stars. I do like to make my own embellishments. Not all the time, but it gives me extra creative time, and I use my scraps. I’ve sorta had to re-work how I scrapbook a little bit. Anyway, great post. Been loving all the great things you’re making. Michelle t

  2. I’ve been inspired by various card making challenges early here in the new year. I want to make a Christmas card or two each week all year so when that time of year comes around, I’ll be all ready and it will have been a fun ongoing project.

    I’m registered for Ali’s Project Life class, because while I still want to keep doing the project, I could seriously use some new ideas of ways to keep it fun and meaningful.

    I just wanted episode 1 of season 1 of Downton Abbey last night — o.b.s.e.s.s.e.d. Yeah I’m a little late to the party.

    Looking forward to acquiring some your embellishments soon! 🙂

  3. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO COMPLETE UNDONE SCRAPBOOKING PROJECTS – ANYONE ELSE HAVE THAT ISSUE? fEELS GOOD JUST TO TAKE INVENTORY AND HOPEFULLY I CAN SET SOME REALISTIC GOALS NOW TOO! tHANKS FOR KEEPING US MOTIVATED, mAY!

  4. rEVERSE CAPS LOCK? sORRY, SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT AND I CAN’T FIX IT! cALL IT EXCITEMENT, NOT YELLING!

  5. I gave up cable a few years ago because I was spending too much time watching TV. I don’t really miss it, but sometimes I miss the conversation around it (hello, downtown abbey). I love Kathy’s challenge and I agree that it’s important to prioritize things that you do just for yourself, because they feel good. Being a grown-up has lots of unfun aspects and we forget how much fun it can be to just sit and color for a little while.

  6. Such a timely post for me! I signed up to do LOAD216 despite being incredibly busy. But I want to get back to getting caught up on scrapbook pages, so I have been setting aside an hour a day to do a page a day and post it to the FLICKR account before midnight. It’s day 3 but I’ve been successful so far and I’m really enjoying the process.

  7. I didn’t know where else to post this. I watched your video today about using your Scan n cut to decorate the pencil case. the contents section is disabled. So my question is, what did you use for your glittery paper that you ironed on? Where can I find this type of product? Tia, Traci

  8. I’ve gotten comments on that video – weird! That is Brother iron-on glitter material. Love it!

  9. I’m prioritising TRied and True LOs! And trying to get 15 minutes of creative time in every day.
    Love your fun new bottles! And thanks for the link to Kathy’s blog!

  10. I agree wholeheartedly. Its easy to waste time on some things that don’t really matter. I bought a really cool coloring book calledAnimorphia. Every night, after dinner, I sit and color for awhile. Its very relaxing and so much fun!
    I really enjoy your blog, May! You are inspirational to me. I have been making cards for about 30 years….I love to write and recently started to create my own blog. We will see where it takes me!

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