New year reflections

New years are often a time for goal setting, reflection, and growth. While I've set some new goals for my small business this month, I've also felt incredibly burnt out. With everything happening in this country (murders in the street, rolling back health protections, and pulling out of the WHO, to name a few), plus plenty happening in my personal life, I've found myself just wanting to lump around in my free time. You may know this, or you may not, but I'm not a full-time metalsmith. Creating used to rejuvenate me, and it still does; but I feel more drawn to the couch and the television after work more days than I do to my bench. 

I know this isn't a typical new years post, but I wanted to reflect on what I've been feeling honestly, because many people that I have talked to are feeling the same or similarly to me. I think in addition to just general overwhelm by all of the current happenings, it's just cold and dark and humans are meant to rest more in the winter than we actually give ourselves time for. 

I've been honoring this slowness feeling by slowing down. I've been re-watching Scandal (would *highly* recommend for those looking for a tv show), and spending less time on social media. I'm spending time with my people and donating my money. I'm also creating - I'm just doing it at a slower pace. Instead of making a whole collection in a week, I've made a smaller collection and spread the making out over a month. I'm really proud of it, and it's in its final stages. I can't wait to finish it - but still while honoring the slowness. 

So, if anything I said above resonates with you, know you're not alone. Keep creating, but do it at a slower pace. Keep fostering relationships with your people. Go for walks and feel the sun, if you can. Notice new things, or try a new hobby. But most importantly, check in with yourself to see what you need.