brassblogs

So, in these first two weeks of the New Year, I’ve uncovered a few things about myself – my limitations and expectations, and how reality is meshing with them all. Especially over this weekend, since I’ve literally been forced to sit in bed with nothing more to entertain me than my own thoughts (well, when I wasn’t spiking a fever. Dang flu.)

Number one is, this first couple of months of this sabbatical have been interesting. I’ve spawned a new level of creativity in myself that I was beginning to think I’d lost. Part of what I wanted to do on this sabbatical was to improve my skillset: by learning a new platform or two (I’ve decided to focus on ModX and Magento) and becoming skillful in tools I have, but have been reluctant to use because they are new (or I just never had the time to get better at them): Photoshop and Illustrator. In doing so, I’ve made a couple of creations (thanks to the Daily Design blog) that have been a lot of fun, and made me feel a bit better at how well I do in an old skill.

However, I’ve also been creative in other, unexpected ways. I’ve been knitting and sewing like a madwoman – and designing what is most surprising: handbags.

As a woman, you’d think I’d have a lot of interest in handbags, yet anyone who knows me will tell you the exact opposite. I detest them. Truly, the only time you’ll see me carrying one is if I’m traveling. So why I have been drawn to creating them is beyond me.

I am very happy for this creative burst, though.

However, these “upswings” in creativity have led to a downside for me, and it’s a big one. One of the BIGGEST things I’ve wanted to tackle during this sabbatical is my organization and focus. I’m the kind of person who loves trying and learning new things. If something catches my attention, I’m dazzled – like a deer in headlights dazzled. I’ve been hit by the car more than once. This burst of creativity has not helped that much – times like these are when I get so intent on creating that I just don’t care what or why I’m doing it, as long as I’m doing it.

There’s a lot more to this, but because I’m currently ill I can’t think very clearly at the moment. but I did want to come in and share. I think this is a big transitional period for me right now – and I really need to pay attention if this sabbatical is going to lead to success. I do see several more posts on this subject coming up in the near future as I try to work through things.