Creativity is a strange thing, sometimes it's at the tip of your fingers and other times it drifts away, taking a sabbatical without warning. All kinds of unexpected hiccups trip up creative flow but thankfully, it usually demands to be noticed once again when the distractions settle.
In progress on my work table this week
My creative flow took a significant hit two years ago when Dad passed away and since then has graced me with an occasional half-hearted re-appearance, but generally speaking, has needed constant nudging, cajoling and even pleading with, to encourage it to shake itself from lethargy.
'Twink' - my latest owl shelf sitter, completed this week
Luckily for me, our wedding plans sparked my creative instincts again earlier this year thanks to the support of my closest family, who reminded me that creativity should be above all else, fun. We worked hard for many months to create a wonderful wedding day, the very best kind of fun, but boy was it was tiring - I found myself waking up in the morning, more tired than I went to bed the night before!
Once our wedding day passed, a penny started to drop ... I have been feeling exhausted pretty much since Dad died, an overwhelming lethargy had my creativity firmly in its grip and the vitiligo (de-pigmentation of skin) I'd been ignoring for years, had also noticeably spread. It seems I'd been so busy worrying about and organising life events, I simply hadn't noticed my health. Fortunately my daughter was far more in tune, insisting I talk to the doc, so eventually I did as she asked and surprise, surprise, discovered I have an under active thyroid gland - which probably explains why I haven't been firing on all cylinders for quite a while!
So the moral of my story is, if your creative spark has become more of a damp squib, please don't ignore the clues like I did. Happily, now my treatment has begun, I am already feeling less tired, much brighter and thankfully, eager to create again!
That's really interesting to think about Paula. The thyroid gland is in charge of your metabolism and such which would explain the low energy, but I've just personally been in a huge slump. I'm not motivated for work or school, and in my early twenties I shouldn't feel this slumped. Hypothyroidism hits generally in the 50s+ range. I'm glad you now know the problem and can find a solution though. I can't wait to see all the beautiful darlings you'll make
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you've been in a slump too! I hope you'll find the key to renewed energy soon. Incidentally, my daughter had her under active thyroid diagnosed in childhood, so it can be an issue at all ages it seems. I should have been more aware!
Deleteyeah, so excited to see you making raggedy dolls! 'm a big fan of them.
ReplyDeleteHi Paula,
ReplyDeleteSame here. My mum was ill for ages and developed Alzheimers so everything to do with me went on the back burner.
I was also tired, no energy etc and eventually went for a check. I was severely anaemic and my thyroid was no longer working.
Since having my medication I feel lots better and i am sure you will too.
Margaret x
Hi Paula
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear you are feeling better. I can really identify the effect that losing a loved one can have. Words aren't enough.
My sister and niece have thyroid problems requiring medication, as did my mother when she was alive. It's great that the doctor found the problem. They don't always test for it.
Take care