I was cheeky in December picking “create” for 2026 because I already knew I would be retiring from waged work on May 1 to write full time.
You can read what all of our bloggers picked here
Spring has arrived and with 1 month to go until I retire, how have I embraced “create”?
Creating Space
I organized and furnished my home office as a way to shift my thinking about this space. I’ve re-named it my studio. My creative hobbies include writing, music, drawing, and a distressing number of handicrafts.
Socializing around artful activities
I have to credit my dear friend Jess with this one. She and I are committed to learning how to make things. We recently participated in a really great screen printing workshop at Museum London facilitated by Soft Flirt. She took a short video demonstrating how to pull the ink over the screen on her Instagram account.
Getting creative about working out
Recently, Michel and I have had especially hectic schedules. We renovated the basement which included our workout space. So we brought weights into the living room, used elastic bands, body weight exercises and lots of stretching and physiotherapy.
Protecting time to write
I’m working on a book and I’m so fortunate to be in a tiny trio of a writing group with Vanessa Brown & Karen Hendry. They have both published books over the more than 10 years we have been meeting.
We tried a new monthly accountability deadline and meet up to support and provide feedback.
Of all the things I have done, this is the one that has bolstered my creative output the most.
Taking up the craft at hand
I struggle to complete projects. I LOVE dreaming of new projects. I enjoy buying the supplies. I get a pleasant bump when I start. Then almost immediately my mind drifts to a new project. This can get expensive and a bit overwhelming.
So I’m working through my craft “stash”. I’ve crocheted and knitted all kinds of things with existing yarn. Cotton dishcloths, a giant granny square pillow for my bed, a crossbody purse and now …now I’ve picked up the shawl kit I bought in Iceland.
The yarn is tiny, the construction unique. I’m struggling to stay committed even though it is GORGEOUS.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragonflywing
What’s next?
My next tasks are creating a schedule that includes regular movement and workouts.
Michel and I have a solid dog walking routine to start our day and at lunch. I want to complement that with cycling, strength training and stretching. Hopefully I won’t need as much physiotherapy if I stick to it!
Overall
I’m finding going back to “create” to challenge myself and make positive changes has really helped me this year. I feel like I’m getting back to myself.
