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Apr 2009

Phasing through our loves.

April 27, 2009 By 13 Comments
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No, I’m not referring to those we love, instead the precious loves that include our hobbies and passions. I was able to get out recently with two good friends. We enjoyed three fabulous, children-free hours full of delicious food and yummy finds. Our evening ended at Border’s and what an ending it was. As my fingers traced the titles, I took in the familiar, fresh off the press aroma. Quickly my memory soared through the many books I have read and fallen in love with in recent years. I came across some good reads, and quickly passed up others. I entered Border’s with the intentions of coming across my next big read – and left with renewed inspiration.

You see, I dream of becoming a published writer. I have been working on something for a few years now, and yet currently at 20,000 words, I haven’t touched it in nearly a year. Why? Well, I’d like to blame it on my rough pregnancy, the second baby being born, or my busy photography business. Alas, the truth of the matter is I am a shuffler. I go through phases with my various loves, and shuffle through them as I feel fit. Just as we go through seasons of life, I am learning that there are seasons for all of the different things I enjoy doing.

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Accepting this has not been easy. I am my own worst critic, and have so often felt like changing focus is a bad thing. It is not, however! Allowing yourself to sail through life, taking time to row to new and exciting shores, what a gift! My shores used to consist of scrap booking, reading Nicholas Sparks, and decorating our home. As of late it seems I have gone ashore towards other avenues, such as: graphic design, learning and bettering my photography, and of course all things to do with organization and living a creative and simple life. Does this mean I’ll never pick up my crochet hook or create another hand made card? Of course not, it simply means I am exploring different aspects of my outlets.

A dear friend reminded me recently,”It’s okay to phase through your loves in life because you’ll always come back to them with a renewed energy. Don’t let yourself feel guilty about this.”. She has a point my friends. Whether your shore be favorite TV shows, or trying your hand at gourmet baking. Realize the phases you go through are quite normal and they really are okay. Enjoy your phase, and when you feel the time is right, sail right onto the next one.

What do you feel your shores are lately? I’d love if you shared!

About Angie


Angie is the founder and editor of The Creative Mama, who lives in the beautiful Bay Area, CA. She also blogs her own personal journey at angiewarren.com. When she isn't writing or taking photos, Angie can be found having tickle fights with her boys and frequenting the local Starbucks.

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  • http://lifewithrece.blogspot.com Stephanie

    Hi Angie,
    Nice timing. I was just discussing this phenomenom with my sister yesterday. She was concerned that her 13 year old daughter was not able to focus on one “passion.” She flits (word?) from thing to thing. I told my sis that means she will just be a well rounded adult with varied interests.
    I realized that I do the same thing, I think it is a common thing in women. And I often felt guilt about it also. I love to do so many things, but not really passionate about one thing. I always felt like I didn’t stay focused on one thing long enough to really get good at it. I get bored and then move on to something else.
    Maybe now I can look at it a little differently.
    We are always so hard on ourselves, aren’t we?

  • Becky

    I started reading the post feeling down that I have yet in the 8 1/2 months since our little one has been born to have any down time to myself with out her. Then reading through I realized I too have cycled through some passions even while feeling like I have no time for them I have shortly revisited some. I would love to be a children’s book author. Not like Harry Potter or Magic tree house but like the little golden books or the Pigeon series type books. I actually brought this up to my husband last night about going full force when he is out of law school. Thanks again for bringing things back into perspective.

  • angie

    Stephanie and Becky – thanks so much for sharing your hearts! It really is so easy for us to get down on ourselves – I’d venture to say 90% of the things we are “down” about are things we could look at in a different light – ya? Hope you are both encouraged today, hugs!

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  • http://wesselsfamily-mommyandwife.blogspot.com/ Julia

    LOL, I am lost in blog world :) That was meant for another blog…funny.

    However I am so glad you wrote about this I am such a passion drifter. Just yesterday I was looking at my endless row of cookbooks and I felt sad for a bit, but you’re so right! It is only for a season.

  • http://theakohlhepp.blogspot.com theadora

    Well, I want to encourage all of you to reread Proverbs 31:10-31 with this renewed attitude of confidence and reassurance that is very, very normal for us to have different passions. WE are made to be women of many tasks, ( or as I like to call them “flavors”). Remember when you were pregnant and certain things tasted good or not so good…? I go through “flavors” that I love and can’t get enough of , but then it is time to move on to a other “dish” and enjoy satisfying my pallete with something new. So, embrace your passions, shores, flavors, desires and know that you were created to be a multi-faceted woman!! :)

  • http://alittlespaceforme.com Marylin

    I think my ‘problem’ is I try to take on too many hobbies at once and then muddle my way along instead of dedicating my time to just one or two.
    Maybe if I was an awesome multi-tasker that would work but I’m so not! lol :)

  • http://www.novicecrafter.blogspot.com Yvonne

    I too am guilty of allowing myself to wallow and beat myself up over unfinished projects and floating through passions. I will be entirely engrossed in one area for about a month or two and then switch to another with equal vigor, leaving the original for months. I would become so frustrated with myself for moving around so much. However, after reading your post I’ve found a peace about it. Thank you so much for articulating what I could not see. I’m a new reader and find your posts very inspiring.

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  • charleigh

    Hi Ange! I’m a new reader of your blog & i’ve also been loving what i’ve read. your posts so resonate with me! like you, i’ve dabbled in many crafty pursuits – including scrapbooking & crochet & a cool paint tin project that saw me buy 50 paint tins to decorate for a craft show (most are still sitting in the box waiting to be decorated!). the big problem with these unfinished projects is the space they take up – both physically & mentally. i’d like to think i’ll finish them eventually, so i have trouble letting go & clearing the clutter.

  • MaryAnn

    So, so well-said – spoke straight to my heart. When I got married, I cycled out of my spunky single gal pursuits of traveling, gardening, guerilla shoe-shopping, and cross-stitching, and yoga, and it has taken me 5 years to realize that this is OK. I have not lost those pieces of me, it’s just not their season right now. They’ll be back when it’s time. And during this season, there is plenty to enjoy.

    Peace be with you -

  • http://lovebabybeck.blogspot.com tacy

    some of my shores… i used to make cards and do pilates. then, right before my daughter was born i was really into sewing, and i keep thinking i’m going to go right back to that any day with the full force i had at that time. instead, i’ve been thinking lately more about home-decorating and cooking/baking. i made inspiration boards in my house recently- they have been so fun to add to and change.

    in the book department.. i read some philosophy and great works of literature for a class i was teaching and now i’m warming up for summer reading with ‘out of africa’ by isak dinesen. i hope to do a lot of reading this summer.

    you are so right that we should not lose heart when we row to different shores… Thank you for the encouragement! It can be particularly hard to accept moving on, especially if the shore we left behind was rich and lovely, something we want to put in our pocket and take with us everywhere. maybe what you’re doing here on this blog is a way of taking it with you, by putting it down in words and remembering- and that’s a very good thing!!

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