“I am surrounded by piles of books and magazines which I seem to need close at hand.” I also have a “need” for these things. Jonathan’s just asked, “what is this stack of books on the chair for?” Well, the chair is now a makeshift book case, of course!
Another gorgeous interview, and an important point about mental health. I also take Sertraline and have found it so helpful for navigating some of the anxieties and challenges I’ve experienced over the last two years. Thanks for sharing so openly and honestly, Grace 💛
Now I know what the extra chair in my writing space is for, why didn’t I think of this?! Love the idea of a chair bookcase, not so many piles on my desk but still close at hand!
Thank you for reading Sarah and yes the point Grace makes about her mental health and creativity is a very important one. I was very grateful to Grace for sharing the reality of her experience and what has helped, thank you for sharing openly too xx
This was such a beautiful discussion; thank you for sharing it! I found so much connection with almost everything that Grace spoke about, but particularly her words about motherhood being a creative act in itself that can lead the way to further creativity. I have certainly found this to be true of my own experience with becoming a mother (once I was over the extreme tiredness of the newborn stage, which turned my brain to spaghetti!).
I've made a note to declutter my creative space. I am fortunate to have a dedicated space at home, but it often becomes a dumping ground for charity shop bags, washing...! I like to work in the quiet, and realised whilst reading this piece that this clutter is making my mind feel busy. Which is subideal when being a mum already makes your brain very full!
Thank you for reading Holly. I’m so glad to hear that the conversation and Grace’s experiences resonated with you. I agree, the creative act of motherhood certainly unleashes something and one thing often leads to another… but as you say re the initial tiredness, I felt so consumed by the early days (and beyond) that I was unable to find space/time/energy or the ability to string two words together for some time!
Your decluttering intention sounds wise and I am sure will be helpful. It’s so easy for things to accumulate but you’re right, we need to make space for ourselves and our creativity when we can xx
I often say that in the early days I could have fallen asleep standing up, mid conversation! But thankfully we're past that season now and settled into more of a rhythm and routine (for now, at least, until he goes down to one nap, which I'm dreading I'll be honest!). I've really enjoyed the space for creativity that motherhood has opened up for me; I think it's mostly down to not working a teaching job at the minute. Have you found that motherhood has affected your creativity, tiredness aside?
You may find the one nap thing easier in some ways when it comes, it’s sometimes easier for scheduling and can be a more reliable and longer necessary pause in your day. But who knows?!
Yes, I have always worked in creative industries and had a blog on the side which I enjoyed for its creativity and autonomy but now there seems to be a deeper layer of finding the value in my days through a lens of creativity, of feeling things more deeply and finding/honing my own voice. I suppose I am saying that creativity seems to come from a more embodied, intuitive place in my experience of motherhood…?! It is also the thing I prioritise above all else when I have any time/space xx
I adore your writing spot Lyndsay and this series is so rich in beautiful stories and wonderful questions for the people who hold here! The writing course you mentioned sounds very interesting, I think need to look into that ;) xx
Thank you so much Carmen and yes it is such a pleasure and an honour to delve into the beautiful and honest practices of people living inspiring and creative lives. Oh absolutely, Kerri’s writing is truly divine and her teaching is beautiful and tender xx
"...I remain convinced that there is a strong correlation between becoming a parent and discovering your creative impulses afresh. It simultaneously made me care less, and more, about my writing, which I’m sure is a good thing". Loved this sentence so much 🥰 What a lovely interview!
“I am surrounded by piles of books and magazines which I seem to need close at hand.” I also have a “need” for these things. Jonathan’s just asked, “what is this stack of books on the chair for?” Well, the chair is now a makeshift book case, of course!
Another gorgeous interview, and an important point about mental health. I also take Sertraline and have found it so helpful for navigating some of the anxieties and challenges I’ve experienced over the last two years. Thanks for sharing so openly and honestly, Grace 💛
My pleasure, thank you Sarah. X
Now I know what the extra chair in my writing space is for, why didn’t I think of this?! Love the idea of a chair bookcase, not so many piles on my desk but still close at hand!
Thank you for reading Sarah and yes the point Grace makes about her mental health and creativity is a very important one. I was very grateful to Grace for sharing the reality of her experience and what has helped, thank you for sharing openly too xx
That Ursula Le Guin quote is perfect.
Agree, she is spot on. My copy of The Baby on the Fire Escape arrived today, I can’t wait to read more xx
This was such a beautiful discussion; thank you for sharing it! I found so much connection with almost everything that Grace spoke about, but particularly her words about motherhood being a creative act in itself that can lead the way to further creativity. I have certainly found this to be true of my own experience with becoming a mother (once I was over the extreme tiredness of the newborn stage, which turned my brain to spaghetti!).
I've made a note to declutter my creative space. I am fortunate to have a dedicated space at home, but it often becomes a dumping ground for charity shop bags, washing...! I like to work in the quiet, and realised whilst reading this piece that this clutter is making my mind feel busy. Which is subideal when being a mum already makes your brain very full!
Thank you for reading Holly. I’m so glad to hear that the conversation and Grace’s experiences resonated with you. I agree, the creative act of motherhood certainly unleashes something and one thing often leads to another… but as you say re the initial tiredness, I felt so consumed by the early days (and beyond) that I was unable to find space/time/energy or the ability to string two words together for some time!
Your decluttering intention sounds wise and I am sure will be helpful. It’s so easy for things to accumulate but you’re right, we need to make space for ourselves and our creativity when we can xx
I often say that in the early days I could have fallen asleep standing up, mid conversation! But thankfully we're past that season now and settled into more of a rhythm and routine (for now, at least, until he goes down to one nap, which I'm dreading I'll be honest!). I've really enjoyed the space for creativity that motherhood has opened up for me; I think it's mostly down to not working a teaching job at the minute. Have you found that motherhood has affected your creativity, tiredness aside?
You may find the one nap thing easier in some ways when it comes, it’s sometimes easier for scheduling and can be a more reliable and longer necessary pause in your day. But who knows?!
Yes, I have always worked in creative industries and had a blog on the side which I enjoyed for its creativity and autonomy but now there seems to be a deeper layer of finding the value in my days through a lens of creativity, of feeling things more deeply and finding/honing my own voice. I suppose I am saying that creativity seems to come from a more embodied, intuitive place in my experience of motherhood…?! It is also the thing I prioritise above all else when I have any time/space xx
I adore your writing spot Lyndsay and this series is so rich in beautiful stories and wonderful questions for the people who hold here! The writing course you mentioned sounds very interesting, I think need to look into that ;) xx
Thank you so much Carmen and yes it is such a pleasure and an honour to delve into the beautiful and honest practices of people living inspiring and creative lives. Oh absolutely, Kerri’s writing is truly divine and her teaching is beautiful and tender xx
"...I remain convinced that there is a strong correlation between becoming a parent and discovering your creative impulses afresh. It simultaneously made me care less, and more, about my writing, which I’m sure is a good thing". Loved this sentence so much 🥰 What a lovely interview!