Sacred Gifts

About 5 months ago I started claiming one day a week for myself. What started off as an experiment to claim some me time, ended up being one of the top 5 things I've ever done. I thought I'd share a glimpse of last week's sacred day with you.

Lately, I always start with froth piggery topped chai and a chocolate croissant. I've been making Emma a chocolate croissant every Monday morning for years but almost never allowed myself the pleasure. I recently realized how ridiculous that is so I happily savor one every Wednesday morning.

Often I spend the first part of the day with a cat in my lap, my knitting and a podcast. There is no comfort quite like the comfort of holding wool in your hands with a furry friend to keep you company.

After awhile I make my way into the studio although there are no rules for this day. I give myself the freedom to do whatever I am inspired to do-knitting, sewing, reading, embroidery, drawing- it all makes me happy.

Today there were hats in need of pom poms, yarn pairings to try and future knitting projects to noodle through.

There was also yarn to cake. If you have never wound hanks of yarn into a cake you are missing out on one of life's great gifts. There is no one in this house that doesn't enjoy the process.

I could probably spend hours in here trying different combinations of yarn together. If feeds my love of color in big ways. I mean, just look at this yarn destined to be a pair of Valentine's Day inspired socks.

This particular day had me organizing and dreaming about some changes in the studio. Somehow work in the studio never feels like work. Probably because it's pretty work.

I've been struggling with storage and with having no place to cut fabric. I'm pretty sure if I didn't have to cut fabric out on the floor, I'd enjoy sewing a lot more. Luckily after weeks of searching and not finding the right thing, my Sweet Man offered to build me what I need. Well, by offered I mean he was unable to resist my charm when I begged him.

So this beautiful closet he built me is about to see some big changes and I'm sorting through every corner while I (try to) patiently wait.

Once I wander into the studio, I find it hard to leave again. I usually eat my lunch in this spot and would probably stay here for dinner too if I could. Often my guy gets us takeout on Wednesday so I at least don't have to worry about making anything.

The time in here goes much too quickly and the end of the day is upon me much too soon. I spend some time organizing my knitting journal, reading and end the day much in the same way I started it- more tea and a little sweet treat. I was lucky this day and my Sweet Man picked Emmy up from school so I could get some extra time in here.

Some of the many lessons I've learned from my Sacred Days:
-It's okay to put yourself first sometimes,you actually need it for a healthy attitude.
-If I honor myself in this way, my family will follow suit. Everyone in my family knows you don't mess with Sacred Day.
-I have learned that when I open myself up to creativity and give myself the time to think, dream and make, that I will be so filled with inspiration that I can't wait to get up in the mornings and make something.
-Only you can make you a priority.
-When you are feeling like you have nothing left in the tank because you give everything you have to everyone else, you have got to find a way to claim something for yourself. It is the best gift you can give yourself and in turn is actually a gift you are giving to your family because they have a healthier, happier you.

Let me just add that I am very fortunate to be able to hold sacred, what is essentially 6 or 7 hours a week just for me, during this season of my life. Maybe you are in a different season, have a different schedule or different needs. My point is, find some time just for you, with NO guilt and honor the fact that you deserve it and are worth it.