A Return to the Simple Things: Rediscovering Creativity and Making Time for Myself

Hello friends,

It’s a beautiful day to talk about getting creative, slowing down, and finding our way back to the things that make us feel like ourselves.

Do you ever find yourself reminiscing about the days when you were younger? When time didn’t seem to matter, the days felt longer, and your imagination had no limits? Those were the days when I felt most inspired. I was open to adventure, daring enough to dream, and excited to wake up early just to see what the day might bring.

Of course, back then, I was only in grammar school. There were no bills to worry about, no deadlines to meet, and no endless list of responsibilities waiting for me. There was simply time. Time to explore, create, daydream, and enjoy being a kid.

Lately, time has become something I find myself longing for.

Life moves quickly, sometimes a little too quickly, and somewhere along the way, I think we can lose touch with the parts of ourselves that once came so naturally. The things we enjoyed without thinking twice about them.

So, what do I do?

Baby steps. I’m learning to reclaim my days off and make them mine again. It’s not selfish. It’s necessary. I’ve been feeling the weight of a fast-paced routine and finding myself craving a change of scenery, a change of pace, and a little more room to breathe. I’ve spent some time reflecting on what I need to feel more complete. What am I missing? What would bring a little more joy into my everyday life? And the answer that kept coming back to me was surprisingly simple. I want to feel like a kid again.

Going Back to Where My Imagination Began

When I think about my childhood, some of my fondest memories revolve around creating things. My dad built me a large wooden table in our screened-in patio. It was my very own little creative corner, complete with spaces for crayons, colored pencils, paints, paper, and all the supplies a little girl could dream of. I would write short stories and bind them into little books, paint landscapes (still one of my favorites), make dolls, fold origami, and create just about anything my imagination could come up with.

I loved reading, too. Hundreds of books, if I could get my hands on them! My mom and I were regular visitors at the library, which happened to be next to one of our favorite thrift stores. A pretty perfect afternoon, if you ask me.

And then there were the days spent outdoors. I built little forts for frogs I had captured, played mud wars with my friends after a good rainstorm, and climbed our fruit trees to snack on whatever was growing because I had no intention of going inside for a proper meal.

Looking back, I realize how much freedom there was in those little moments. I wasn’t thinking about productivity or whether I was accomplishing anything. I was simply enjoying life.

Those memories have become a gentle reminder that a meaningful life doesn’t always require something grand. Sometimes it starts with making room for the things that make us happy.

Finding My Way Back, One Little Hobby at a Time

I’m starting my creative journey with something familiar: reading.

I used to love crime and mystery novels, especially the CSI-style stories that kept me guessing until the very last page. But lately, I’ve noticed that reading about unsettling situations, suspicious characters, and everything that could possibly go wrong isn’t exactly what I want to carry into my downtime.

I want my reading time to feel like an escape, not another reason for my mind to wander.

So I’ve switched things up and started exploring small-town romance novels. Something about the slower pace, charming little communities, and happier storylines feels comforting. It’s a nice change, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

Sometimes a change in what we surround ourselves with can make all the difference.

Cooking and Baking: Finding Joy in the Kitchen Again

Another little creative outlet I’m slowly finding my way back to is cooking.

When my kids were younger, I genuinely loved spending time in the kitchen. Somewhere along the way, as they grew older and life changed, I found myself cooking less and less.

I’ve been baking a little more lately, and it’s been such a lovely way to spend an afternoon. I’ve successfully made walnut chocolate chip cookies twice now (and I consider that a little victory!). This weekend, I’m challenging myself to make cinnamon rolls completely from scratch.

And for dinner? I’m planning a spicy Italian sausage, spinach, and ravioli lasagna. A little kitchen creativity never hurts, especially when there’s something delicious waiting at the end.

I love the idea of making something with my own hands, taking my time, and enjoying the process rather than rushing to get everything finished.

Something is comforting about homemade goodies, don’t you think?

Making Room for the Things That Make Me Happy

One day, I’d love to get back into drawing and painting. I miss that part of myself, and I know there are plenty of afternoons waiting to be filled with watercolor paints, sketchbooks, and a little imagination.

But for now, I’m keeping things simple. A good book, a little time in the kitchen, and the freedom to enjoy my days off without feeling like I need to fill every minute with something productive.

I’m learning that creativity doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t need to become a business, a project, or something we share with the world. Sometimes it can simply be something we do because it makes us happy.

This season of life is about showing up for myself, being more intentional with my time, and rediscovering the little things that bring me joy.

I don’t need to have it all figured out. I just need to keep making space for myself along the way.

What about you, friends?

How do you reconnect with your creative side? Do you enjoy reading, gardening, cooking, painting, thrifting, crafting, or simply spending a quiet afternoon doing absolutely nothing?

I’d love to hear what brings you joy.

Here’s to slowing down, embracing our creative sides, and remembering that we’re never too old to play, dream, or try something new.

With love,

Until next time. ♡

Where I grew up