Indulging Our Creative Whims: What Makes You Tick?

Can we all collectively rejoice that this week is nearing the end? Whew! It's been a doozie around here. I've always been the kinda gal that liked to be busy and keep her plate full. Lately, however, I feel like my plate is spilling over the sides! But, I really do think I'd be bored if I lived any other way.

As odd as it may sound, being diligent about posting on this blog really does bring order and calm to the crazier days. There's something cathartic and soothing, about just writing for fun at the end of a long day, whether I spend it working, (as in "doing work for my real 8-5 job"), or chasing Caroline, (also "work", just a different flavor.) I may not get a chance to post every single day, but I do try hard to put a few coherent thoughts on here the majority of the time.

I'll be honest; I've done some major weighing of options lately about whether to continue to try to blog after baby #2 arrives. Part of me thinks, knows it might be easier to hang it all up for a year and take a break. But every time I start making a list of reasons it'd be easier to go on a hiatus, (from which I'm scared I might never return), I came up with one gigantic reason not to stop: I love it.

It's important to me; it's something I've pledged to keep doing when Ainsley arrives. I realize I'm not changing lives or altering the course of the universe on here, but I do enjoy the creativity it brings to my life. I adore the friendships and relationships I've built - am building - just through this little online platform. It has given me an abundance of neat opportunities and helped me make connections with folks I never would have met otherwise.

Sure, it'll be more challenging and posts may be will be more scarce at first, but I have a wonderfully supportive husband who has always encouraged me to do this. (Little known fact: every Sunday afternoon from 2:00-4:00, he takes Caroline and does the grocery shopping for the week while I write or take blog photos.)

(Ladies, here's your unsolicited advice: if you choose to enter a committed relationship, get married or have children, make sure the other person supports the things YOU love, too. Trust me, we are better in relationships when we make time to cultivate our individual hobbies - whatever they may be. It isn't selfish; it's essential to making sure the most creative parts of ourselves stay alive.)

I feel like women tend to be the first to put aside the things we enjoy doing because we're pulled in so many directions. Thankfully, this hasn't been my experience. And I'm grateful for a spouse that encourages my hobbies, just as I do his. With that said, I'd love to hear about you.

What hobbies keep you sane? Do you put aside time specifically each day or week for it? Did you keep up with it when/if you settled down, took on a larger role at work or started a family? Tell me your answers in the comments if you feel like sharing.