What does it take for you to start creating?
Do you need a specific rhythm or routine to help you settle into the process? Or, uninterrupted time in your favorite spot at home or out in nature?
Maybe, you are thinking, ‘Mary, I can’t even imagine having enough bandwidth to do anything more, there is not any margin in this season.’
Friend, I hear you.
“Creativity is messy, vulnerable, time-consuming, and hard work. It takes effort and courage to open ourselves to an imperfect process, let alone have the patience to see it through.”
But what if we stopped viewing it as a hobby and started treating it as a sacred practice?
I had an epiphany in real time when I was on this episode talking to Ashlee… when faced with darkness God’s first impulse was to create.
That same longing is written into our DNA and is so much more than just a gift of expression but a reminder of the breath of Life in our bones. It is the invitation and revelation of beauty and hope in this world. Yet, somewhere along the way, what was meant for connection moved to only having value from its consumption.
We have this vision of ‘perfect’ and we chase the result that we believe will help our idea belong, be acceptable and be what we think it should be. But in carving to fit the mold, we end up removing everything that makes it interesting because what we are actually removing is what makes the creative process unique…ourselves.
When today’s guest noticed the pride and confidence her daughter had in the artwork she was creating she was stopped in her tracks.
As she watched her daughter hang the piece on the wall she realized there was no need to control the outcome for the eyes of others because the process was enough for her. This life-changing moment led Ashlee Gadd (founder of the motherhood storytelling blog Coffee + Crumbs) on a path of rediscovering the delight of creativity – and that is why I am so excited she is joining me today on The Mary Marantz Show to share her newfound sense of surrender.
Ashlee Gadd is a writer, photographer, and the ultimate hype girl for all things motherhood & creativity. Out of those two passions, she recently released her first book entitled, Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood. One-part commissioning, one-part pep talk, Create Anyway will propel you forward with a renewed sense of energy, purpose, and enthusiasm for stewarding the creative dreams God has planted in your heart. Because no matter the season, creativity does not have to be at odds with your life.
Mary’s new book, slow growth equals strong Roots is HERE! Click HERE to Order your copy today!
For almost a decade, Ashlee found herself in the tension of creative work that felt selfish and motherhood that was supposed to be selfless.
The expectations she had of being a “good mom” had conditioned her to believe that all of her attention needed to be fixed on her kids and that what was creatively stirring inside her could only be explored in the margins of her day-to-day.
But then, this idea hit her hard:
“Over time, I came to realize that when I am creating in front of my kids, I am modeling more than just whatever act I am working on. I am modeling obedience, stewardship, and what it means to be a whole flourishing person. I want my kids to see me not just doing chores, vacuuming, doing the dishes, and all the other things I do around here. I want them to see me delighting in the things that I love to do and the creative acts that really light me up and fulfill me as a person.”
Ultimately, what Ashlee thought was taking her away from what she loved most around her was actually the exact way to reconnect and refuel not only herself but her family. So, if you like Ashlee, feel like your creativity has been limited to the margins of your life, today’s episode is for you.
Join Ashlee and me, as we lean into what really holds us back from creating and the challenges of carving out our own path.
On today’s episode, you will hear:
What developing film taught her about the creative process
The REAL reason you aren’t taking steps to start
How to grab onto stubborn hope
What the real cost of monetization is
The signs to look for when transitioning your passion to full time
So, whether you feel like you aren’t ready yet or your own expectations are limiting the process, let today be the permission you need to create anyway.
You were made for this. Creativity is calling, are you ready to answer?
“The truth is, there will always be a million reasons not to create but the time to start is now!”
I can’t wait for you to take a listen! And if you are looking to give up comparing, performing, and achieving for your worth, I think you’ll LOVE my new book Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots! Available now everywhere books are sold! And while you’re at it, take our Achiever Quiz to see which of the 5 Achiever Types you are….
More From This Episode:
Connect with Ashlee on Instagram and be sure to pick up her new book, “Create Anyway:The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood” wherever books are sold.
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