SPARK: Amy Tangerine – Craft a Life You Love – Episode 69 with Melanie Ham

Today I was inspired to try something different.

I was listening to Amy Tangerine’s interview with Melanie Ham and it got me thinking. During the episode, they talked about a lot of different things. But the part that really got the wheels turning was when they talked about using craft supplies that you have lying around during this time (at approximately 29:05). As creatives, we all have supplies that we have lying around – from things we started but never finished – or never even started. They discussed using those supplies during this pandemic – either because we haven’t been able to get new supplies or because we may have a little extra time on our hands.

Well, my brain took a little bit of a leap when I heard them talking…I have found that this is the right time for me to take some steps towards continuing to work on myself. Working on ourselves is a lifetime process – it never ends. As much as I would like to believe that there will come a point when I will have “arrived” that will not happen. After all, as Morihei Ueshiba said, “Life is growth. If we stop growing, technically and spiritually, we are as good as dead.”

I would challenge you to do the same with your self at this time – start with what you have – do you have any tools that you had started but that you no longer use? Perhaps you started journaling and then stopped – perhaps you can pick that up again and see if it serves you better at this time. Or did you paint to escape for a little while – pick up that paintbrush again! Light a candle and soak in the bathtub! Go for a walk! There are so many little ways to step up to your own needs right now.

There are also quite a lot of free resources available now. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to try meditation or yoga – find an online class! Is there a coach that you look up to? Follow them on social media – so many people are stepping up and showing up for their followers by going live or running challenges.

I know that some people are busier than they usually are while others find themselves with more time on their hands – each one presents a different set of challenges. This podcast simply got me thinking of the little ways we can take care of ourselves during this time -because, let’s face it, we need it more than ever.

Here is a link to the episode, so you can check it out for yourself. I would love to hear what you thought of it, let me know in the comments!

https://www.amytangerine.com/podcast/069-having-self-compassion-with-melanie-ham