creativity as anchor

Wow, my consistency with this newsletter hasn't been where I want it to be.

As I write that, I feel a tightness in my chest (shame?) and I hear that critical voice: "You know better than this!"

At the same time, I hear a compassionate voice saying, "Yes, and... this year has been waves arms around a LOT."

I can hold space for both of those thoughts.

I've had a lot of other thoughts, too:

• "It feels like the world is falling apart."

• "How can I focus on a fun, creative newsletter at a time like this?"

• "How can I not?"

I'm no stranger to an unstable country with an uncertain future.

In 1999, the economy of my home country, Ecuador, collapsed, prompting my family (and thousands of others) to migrate to the United States.

It was hard. I went from living in a privileged, upper-middle-class household to being in a new country, sharing a single room with my entire family and wearing donated, mismatched clothes to school.

Why am I telling you this? Because I've lived most of my life with uncertainty. And creating is what grounded me through that.

From birthday cards to "decorating" (aka hanging up a bunch of inspirational signs and yarn), I made up games with my friends. I played. I wrote and drew pictures for my family back home. To a career as a graphic designer!

Taking action and making things became my anchor. (Even as I write this, I feel more calm!)

So, whatever you're creating—whether you've started and stopped, or haven't started at all, it's okay to take breaks. It's okay to come back to it. It's okay for none of this to be linear.

What's one thing you're creating right now, even if it's small? Share it with me by replying to this email!

I'm here to cheer you on (more consistently, I promise).

Pame

P.S. If you're feeling stuck, try spending just 15 minutes today on something you love to create. You might be surprised at how it makes you feel.

P.P.S. On a personal note, it’s been about 6 months since I started my very corporate job, and after 8 years of being self-employed, I’m still getting used to this new rhythm. Here’s a pic from my trip to Colorado last week!