New Outlets

Too much tv or computer stifles my creativity.  Notice I was careful with my words.  I like tv and movies.  I like to get lost in another world for a while.  It’s easier for me to walk away from tv.  If there is nothing on, I just turn it off.  Billy could watch tv all day, mindlessly flipping through random shows.  Hey, that’s how he relaxes, who am I to judge.  It’s really easy for me to walk away from tv when Billy has the remote.  We just do not like to watch the same things.  And that’s ok.  To be honest, it’s actually a great thing because it motivates me to get off the couch.

But the computer…oh…that’s another story.  I do find inspiration from some things on the internet.  I like to look at new recipes, read other blogs, get a bit lost on Pinterest.  Of course, too much of anything is usually bad for you.  And what starts as, “I just want to look up a few things,” quickly turns into an hour that I’ve lost.

When I start to get sucked into mindless technology, I lose all interest in actually engaging in the world around me.  I make plans looking at pretty pictures on Pinterest, but there is no follow through.  And honestly, I’m tired after spending time with technology.  Last week the girls and I were practicing our stitches and sewing and I when I went to bed later, my brain didn’t feel exhausted.  I felt good. 

So this year, I’m trying to be a bit more purposeful about the time I spend using technology.  Don’t get me wrong, I love a good movie/show marathon or playing around on the internet.  But I am trying to be more mindful of sticking to my intended purpose, paying attention to the time and being aware of those people around me that I could be hanging out with instead of letting my mind drift off.

I am going to use my time away from technology to focus on developing creativity.  I am going to revisit some of my old favorites.

Writing.  I love to write.  And often I am on the computer, but I am not using Word, I am mindlessly playing on the internet.  I want to make more time to write-blogging, journaling, etc.

Baking/cooking.  I love to bake and cook.  Not so much during the week after a long day at work but I still do enjoy seeing a meal come together!  And I love trying new recipes.  Since I don’t bake so many sweets any more, I like to try healthy alternatives.

I declared to Billy’s mom that 2013 was the Year of Crafting!  I thought that needed an explanation point.  To be honest, I’m not sure what that meant, but it sounds fun.  I am going to try learning some new outlets.  I think I have mentioned a few times that I want to learn how to sew. 

I’ve been spending more time at craft stores.  I know, I’ve talked about this before.  I can’t help it.  There could be worse places to be on a Friday night, I suppose.  It’s bad when you sneak off to a craft store on a Friday night and then are caught by an old friend.  I kinda felt like I was caught doing something illegal.  Thankfully, she didn’t scold me.

I feel that I have been luring others into my web.  After one such Michael’s shopping excursion, I sent a text message to Katy’s Girl Scout troop leader who was coming over the following morning.  I wrote something like, “Be prepared to craft” and she still showed up, thank goodness.  That was a day of serious crafting. 

This goal of creativity isn’t about learning how to master a specific skill.  For me, it’s more about engaging my brain.  Being more awake. 

It’s challenging though.  Sometimes I want to flop down on the couch, covered by my blanket in my picked up family room (I'm dreaming about that last bit) and play around on the computer.  And that’s ok, for a while.  Again, the problem is when I stay too long. 

So for 2013, I am going to do my best to drag myself off the couch.  I know that I will feel so much better for doing it.  And maybe I can take my blanket with me while I craft.

 

 

This post is part of my focus for 2013 to be awake.