Welcome back, Mailys! It sounds like our summers were similar - mine was rich in inspiration and quiet in terms of “output”. But you’re right about listening to our bodies and respecting the ebb and flow. Interestingly, I’m also wanting to give watercolor a try but have dipped my toe in it as of yet. Looking forward to reading you and hearing your updates soon!
Thank you Ramya! I truly believe those pauses are needed to both integrate, refill our wells and let inspiration come again in its own time, so I’m glad to read you took one too.
As for watercolor, I must confess that I’m finding it hard to carve time for it outside of holidays, but making play a non negotiable like rest is one of my personal goals for the coming months.
I resonate deeply with what you have shared here Maïlys, I have been thinking a lot about the last two months and the frustration at having to put everything on hold being main/mostly sole caregiver over the summer hols, whilst at the same time feeling grateful for the time spent with my children. I thought I would be able to carry on with my creative work in the evenings and in the edges as usual but I really could not muster the energy after giving so much of myself each day. Thank you for sharing your experiences and what has helped you reconnect with yourself and your creativity xx
Oh I very much resonate with "The frustration at having to put everything on hold". I feel like I’m always being "stalled" because of the way too numerous school holidays here in France. The lack of energy is a real thing too and I’ve given up trying to do anything in the evenings because I just can’t (when I see my energy level past 3pm I don’t even know how I managed to work so much at night in the past when I was in corporate 😉). I hope you’ll soon find a way to put the different pieces back.
Beautiful watercolors and lovely post! Looking at your artwork, It’s fascinating how a creative’s “voice” shines through all media - words, paints, photos, and graphic arts. Thank you for sharing your creative voice - I am a fan!
Thank you Kim! What you said is very interesting for me because as you know, it’s always very difficult for us projectors to see ourselves as clearly as we see others. But I’m glad to read that you see my creative voice emerge 🥰 How is your book tour going?
Really enjoyed reading this Maïlys and it's so relatable. This part especially stuck with me:
"Every summer I remind myself how lucky I am to spend that time with her. And yet, every summer, I end up drained. Two months of near-constant togetherness is simply too much for my nervous system..."
I feel the exact same way as a SAHM, grateful that I get to be with my 3 kids all summer but also find it incredibly overwhelming. Then I feel guilty because I feel overwhelmed!
This summer felt particularly heavy as it was the first time I'd slowed down since my daughter was very very ill in hospital in the Spring (she's ok now), so I think the trauma of it came out this summer. That definitely affected my ability to create even though I knew it would help me.
Now, my eldest two are back in school and my youngest starts half day nursery next week, I'm looking forward to more space to create and gather my thoughts ❤️
Your new venture sounds exciting and I love your new logo! ✨️
I have only 1 child but I was already overwhelmed having to juggle being her primary caregiver for the months and dealing with my clients for my freelance work (hopefully I had some vacation and even when I was not on vacation, the rhythm is slightly slower work-wise). So I can only imagine how it must have been for you having to deal with the trauma (because the body needs to process it sooner or later) and the usual summer mayhem (especially with 3 kids). I’m sorry to hear about your daughter, but glad to hear that she’s OK now.
And I hope that you’ll enjoy some time for you now and find ways to refill your own creative well.
The summer just feels like a lot doesn't it! Thank you for your lovely words ❤️. My son is starting nursery tomorrow so I'll have a whole 2 hours to myself, will feel very strange!! X
Ahhhh this is such a beautiful read, and I just adore all you are creating in all ways. The watercolour pieces are beautiful and I have found my way back to my painting this summer and it’s been such a tonic! These pauses in our output are always so needed, I’m glad you listened. Xxx
Thank you Lauren and yes, I remember seeing you painting with your daughters. I’m still not very regular on carving time to play with my watercolor supply - nor am I with taking time to pause - but I’m working on it 😉
Maybe we need to add a little creative play session into our Bridge journey?? Or in The Balm to help us stay accountable. I’ve been collecting some lovely tutorial videos that I want to play with xx
Oh yes, that would be great! I definitely need to find a way to make creative play a non negotiable because I know that for me it’s as vital as rest, but so far it always ends up at the end of my list.
I hadn’t planned to share my experience but reading your essay yesterday made me feel less alone, so thank you ❤️. I agree on the importance of finding different ways to be creative and feed our souls.
Welcome back, Mailys! It sounds like our summers were similar - mine was rich in inspiration and quiet in terms of “output”. But you’re right about listening to our bodies and respecting the ebb and flow. Interestingly, I’m also wanting to give watercolor a try but have dipped my toe in it as of yet. Looking forward to reading you and hearing your updates soon!
Thank you Ramya! I truly believe those pauses are needed to both integrate, refill our wells and let inspiration come again in its own time, so I’m glad to read you took one too.
As for watercolor, I must confess that I’m finding it hard to carve time for it outside of holidays, but making play a non negotiable like rest is one of my personal goals for the coming months.
I resonate deeply with what you have shared here Maïlys, I have been thinking a lot about the last two months and the frustration at having to put everything on hold being main/mostly sole caregiver over the summer hols, whilst at the same time feeling grateful for the time spent with my children. I thought I would be able to carry on with my creative work in the evenings and in the edges as usual but I really could not muster the energy after giving so much of myself each day. Thank you for sharing your experiences and what has helped you reconnect with yourself and your creativity xx
Oh I very much resonate with "The frustration at having to put everything on hold". I feel like I’m always being "stalled" because of the way too numerous school holidays here in France. The lack of energy is a real thing too and I’ve given up trying to do anything in the evenings because I just can’t (when I see my energy level past 3pm I don’t even know how I managed to work so much at night in the past when I was in corporate 😉). I hope you’ll soon find a way to put the different pieces back.
Beautiful watercolors and lovely post! Looking at your artwork, It’s fascinating how a creative’s “voice” shines through all media - words, paints, photos, and graphic arts. Thank you for sharing your creative voice - I am a fan!
Thank you Kim! What you said is very interesting for me because as you know, it’s always very difficult for us projectors to see ourselves as clearly as we see others. But I’m glad to read that you see my creative voice emerge 🥰 How is your book tour going?
Really enjoyed reading this Maïlys and it's so relatable. This part especially stuck with me:
"Every summer I remind myself how lucky I am to spend that time with her. And yet, every summer, I end up drained. Two months of near-constant togetherness is simply too much for my nervous system..."
I feel the exact same way as a SAHM, grateful that I get to be with my 3 kids all summer but also find it incredibly overwhelming. Then I feel guilty because I feel overwhelmed!
This summer felt particularly heavy as it was the first time I'd slowed down since my daughter was very very ill in hospital in the Spring (she's ok now), so I think the trauma of it came out this summer. That definitely affected my ability to create even though I knew it would help me.
Now, my eldest two are back in school and my youngest starts half day nursery next week, I'm looking forward to more space to create and gather my thoughts ❤️
Your new venture sounds exciting and I love your new logo! ✨️
I have only 1 child but I was already overwhelmed having to juggle being her primary caregiver for the months and dealing with my clients for my freelance work (hopefully I had some vacation and even when I was not on vacation, the rhythm is slightly slower work-wise). So I can only imagine how it must have been for you having to deal with the trauma (because the body needs to process it sooner or later) and the usual summer mayhem (especially with 3 kids). I’m sorry to hear about your daughter, but glad to hear that she’s OK now.
And I hope that you’ll enjoy some time for you now and find ways to refill your own creative well.
The summer just feels like a lot doesn't it! Thank you for your lovely words ❤️. My son is starting nursery tomorrow so I'll have a whole 2 hours to myself, will feel very strange!! X
Ahhhh this is such a beautiful read, and I just adore all you are creating in all ways. The watercolour pieces are beautiful and I have found my way back to my painting this summer and it’s been such a tonic! These pauses in our output are always so needed, I’m glad you listened. Xxx
Thank you Lauren and yes, I remember seeing you painting with your daughters. I’m still not very regular on carving time to play with my watercolor supply - nor am I with taking time to pause - but I’m working on it 😉
Maybe we need to add a little creative play session into our Bridge journey?? Or in The Balm to help us stay accountable. I’ve been collecting some lovely tutorial videos that I want to play with xx
Oh yes, that would be great! I definitely need to find a way to make creative play a non negotiable because I know that for me it’s as vital as rest, but so far it always ends up at the end of my list.
I feel inspired to create something!! X
Your branding work looks amazing! Can’t wait to see more!
Thank you Amanda, I’m glad you liked it. Hopefully I’ll be able to share more in a few months 😉
I love to see more mothers sharing these experiences, and finding different ways to be creative when life is a lot! ❤️
I hadn’t planned to share my experience but reading your essay yesterday made me feel less alone, so thank you ❤️. I agree on the importance of finding different ways to be creative and feed our souls.
Ahh I'm so pleased!