Oh! The In-Betweens

I’ve been caught in the pre-trip whirlwind – as I leave in two weeks. Managing details, finishing tasks, and preparing mentally to leave. Add to that the unexpected setback of a sprained wrist – it really threw me for a loop!

With my regular routine upended, I’ve had to let go of familiar rhythms and find new ways to stay creative as this injury has made it impossible to stick to the usual ways of creating as I have limited movement of my left wrist, and realistically, I need to rest it, not make it try to keep up.

There’s a natural frustration that comes with this type of change, especially for us, artists, who are used to actively working with our hands. And yet, there’s also a surprising opportunity here: a chance to focus on slower, smaller acts of creation, ones that can be done within the new boundaries of this temporary situation. And once again, I’m extremely thankful for the word “temporary,” as I know that this, too, shall pass.

All this has meant working on smaller, less intensive projects or finding ways to stay inspired through observation and planning, rather than jumping right into making. I’ve cut vintage linen for the backs of the book pages I’m taking with me, I’ve prepared a presentation I need in a couple of weeks, I even managed to teach a couple of classes.

Despite all that, I’ve had the feeling of not having done “enough” creatively. I know. I know … The bulk of my time has been spent wrapping up tasks, making travel plans, and meeting life’s daily demands, so it’s no wonder I feel a bit disconnected. I look at my design wall with some of the projects I was working on and I get a sense of being “on hold”.

But I know that these “in-between” periods, though not as visibly productive, are actually part of the creative cycle. They allow for a pause, a rest period that can help recharge your creative energy. This phase is essential; I know I am allowing my mind to subconsciously gather new ideas and get ready for what’s next.

These slower periods are sometimes when we come up with our best ideas. In stepping back, focusing on other priorities, and allowing ourselves the grace to not always be creating, we might just find that our next wave of inspiration is even more impactful. It is a reminder that accomplishment in art isn’t only about big finishes; sometimes, it’s about the smaller, consistent acts that keep us grounded.

This period of “less creation” has felt limiting, but it has also been an invitation to listen closely to what I need most during this time. Self-care. So rather than judging my productivity, I am going to lean into the creative potential that comes from simply adapting to the moment. It’s a reminder that, as much as we love our routines, sometimes life nudges us to take a step back, allowing us to return with fresh insight when we’re ready to jump back in.

I am honestly in awe of my hands. Last year, I wrote about them, and as I was doing that, I paid attention to them and thanked them. And then, life got on, the days went by one by one, faster and faster, and I forgot to thank my hands. Last night, I sat on the couch watching reruns of Miss Marple on TV and stitched. If I am careful and mindful of how I hold my left wrist, I can stitch, which filled me with happiness. And then, I looked down at my hands and I said a prayer of thanks.

Thanks for reading. Until I write again, embrace the in-betweens,

Ana