Lavender Scented Lady, Hand Knitted Gift

Like many people with chronic health problems I tell myself “if I just tried a bit harder I could overcome my pain and fatigue”. Unfortunately this approach did me no favours, eventually my body decided enough was enough! I gradually dropped out of normal life and faced alot of time on my own while my friends and family were out in the “Real World”. It hasn’t been easy to accept and has caused tears and frustration along the way . . . it still does if I’m honest! Over time however, I’ve become philosophical about it. Life has a funny way of giving you exactly what you need at exactly the right time! The creative streak I had as a child that was buried in favour of career plans and socialising re-emerged. I now have unlimited time to Knit, Crochet and Sew. I began to explore different crafts at my own pace, in my own way and from this a passion for Macrame emerged. I can craft in the middle of the night and sleep all day if that’s what my body decides and don’t have to worry about taking sick days or upsetting my boss! When I am truly engaged in something I am calm and happy, something I never felt or creating a spreadsheet! I can sustain some activities on good days as long as I am doing something that I truly love and I pace myself. Last year I wrote my first Sewing Pattern and taught a Beginners Dressmaking Workshop, I was absolutely exhausted afterwards but the experience was exhilarating and gave my self esteem a real boost. I now offer 1:2:1 Sewing Tuition at home, something I never imagined I would have the confidence to do. I realise now that my true vocation was never administration; it was to embrace my creative skills to make the best use of the life and body I’ve been given and to share those skills with other people. 🌻🐝