[NFB-Blind-Crafters] Staying motivated in slumps

[carcione at access.net]

Naima, this is really lovely.  I'm saving it for when I feel uninspired.  Thanks.
Tracy


-----Original Message-----
From: NFB-Blind-Crafters <nfb-blind-crafters-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Naima Leigh via NFB-Blind-Crafters
Sent: Friday, August 29, 2025 7:34 PM
To: nfb-blind-crafters at nfbnet.org
Cc: Naima Leigh <sydia12 at icloud.com>
Subject: [NFB-Blind-Crafters] Staying motivated in slumps

That’s such a thoughtful and important question. Slumps are really common for crafters and artists—it doesn’t mean you’re not creative, it usually means your mind and body are asking for a different rhythm for a while. Here are some gentle, blind-friendly ways to help restore motivation and energy when creativity feels far away:

⸻

🌱 Step 1: Allow Rest Without Guilt
	•	Sometimes a slump is your body’s way of saying it needs downtime. Creativity is a cycle—there are busy seasons and quiet ones. Resting doesn’t erase your skills.
	•	Think of it like letting yarn sit before turning it into a project: it’s still useful, just waiting for the right moment.

⸻

🎵 Step 2: Feed Your Senses
	•	Listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts while holding your yarn, beads, or tools without actually making something. Just enjoying the textures or sounds can spark ideas later.
	•	Touch old projects you’ve made—feeling the textures can remind you of your ability and bring back pride.

⸻

✨ Step 3: Take Small, No-Pressure Steps
	•	Instead of “I need to make something big,” set tiny goals: string 5 beads, knit 3 rows, roll a ball of wool for felting.
	•	These little wins can rebuild momentum without demanding full creative energy.

⸻

🤝 Step 4: Connect with Others
	•	Share what you’ve already made with friends, family, or online craft communities. Their excitement can remind you why you started.
	•	You can also join or listen to crafting groups where people describe what they’re working on—it can spark curiosity without pressure.

⸻

🌼 Step 5: Shift Mediums
	•	If you usually knit, try feeling beads. If you usually bead, try crochet. If you usually sew, try felting. A small change can shake loose new ideas.
	•	No need to commit, just dabble—it’s play, not production.

⸻

🌙 Step 6: Reconnect with Why You Craft

Ask yourself:
	•	Do I craft to relax?
	•	To create gifts?
	•	To express myself?
Remembering your “why” can help you return when you’re ready.

⸻

💡 Sometimes the best way to stay motivated is actually to release the pressure to be productive. Creativity will come back—often stronger—when you give it space.

Naima

Sent from my iPad
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