That's What She Said

That’s What She Said: Create It!

Posted on

That's What She Said A weekly linkup, we share a quote and you share a post! Writers Bloggers Word Lovers Women's Words Quotes

Join us each week as we provide you with a quote (by a woman); and you let that quote inspire your written word! Allow it to lead your writing in whatever way works for you. And we mean that! Literally, wherever it leads you to write is wonderful, and perfect, and worthy of sharing! Share, share, share! Let yourself be inspired each week at That’s What She Said! Write on!!  

  • #1 rule: Have fun and be creative ♡
  •  Go find out what she said. Check out the other blogs linked up and show them some love.
  •  Don’t hold back! We want to read what you are writing.
  •  Okay, we do ask you to hold back ONLY if you are NOT following the rules. This link-up is for those who are inspired by the quote of the week. Get inspired!
  •  Not a rule but a suggestion… please share That’s What She Said on your social media. Example: Join @Mrs_AOK & @Courtneynoel Tuesday’s for #TWSS a weekly link-up inspired by women’s words.

Your Hosts

 

 

 

Hosts

TWSS Thank You Heart

Thanks for saying what you had to last week! We enjoyed reading your posts, ladies. 🙂 xo

You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. |Maya Angelou| TWSS| Quotes| Women's Words| Link-up

This is true.

I know this to be true.

I have lived this.

I am living this.

Not too long ago I was living in what I refer to as my gray era.

Gray.

I was happy, but there was something missing. When I wasn’t happy, I was sad, anxious, and somewhat of a hypochondriac. There was a lot going on in my life at that time, I was finishing up school, I was pregnant with my third child, PCOS, my parents were going through their divorce, I was living away from family, which at the time I guess wasn’t so bad (being away during that time).  The classes I was taking dealt with the human psyche, which I love, but….

I was beginning to analyze myself, my friends and my family. I hated it. My nervousness was at an all time high. I had my first panic attack when I was pregnant with my son. I was breathing heavily, I couldn’t stop, all I could do was cry, I had NO IDEA WHY. My husband was such a rock that night, he held me and calmed me. I felt bad for feeling like that, because I was so happy. I was over the moon that I was about to have my baby boy, the baby they said would never happen. Perhaps, the hormonal ups and downs of pregnancy had me on a tightrope of emotions, but there were so many things piling up on my rope I was bound to fall. I had a safety net. I’ll get to that later…

The joy of having my son was exuberant! I was on top of the world. Of course, my world involved other people and phone calls and sometimes those things brought me right back to that place.  I ended up in the hospital. My heart hurt, my whole chest for that matter, and my hand started to feel numb. I was terrified, I phoned a nurse and she told me to get to the ER.  I drove myself to the ER, my husband stayed with the kids. Test upon test upon test were ran on me. NOTHING. They couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me. I now know what it was, it was a panic attack. I started to drift away, I could see myself starting to let go of things, people, attachments that were beginning to become cancer. (While we’re on the subject if you’re anxious NEVER EVER go to WebMD, because you’re DEAD. I have been healthier since I’ve stopped visiting WebMD for symptoms. #TheMoreYouKnow)

Color.

I started to get back to doing the things I liked doing. I started a blog under an alias, I got things off of my chest there. I didn’t keep it long, I started to focus more on journaling and doing things I could also do with the babies. I am no Picasso, but I love to paint.  I would take all the babies outside to paint under our big tree in the backyard. IMG_0336

(We painted indoors too)

The-Art-ShowCollage

Creating

I started to make things and people wanted to buy them! I sold them!!! This made me happy; I was working with my hands, doing what I loved to do, CREATE! Every little girl in my cul-de-sac, as well as my girls’ friends wore my headbands (I made tutus too). 🙂

Halloween Tutu Mrs. AOK

Headbands

One neighbor told me I wasn’t charging enough, she was right, but I just loved making things. I loved writing about making things, thus this blog was born. Or the original blog was born, but has had a few rebirths. 🙂  I was an Etsy seller, a crafty blogger, and then I was just me. I think I should also thank Phyllis for letting me do me, too. 🙂  She gave me a shot at writing and editing for her magazine and that opened up new doors to my creativity. I loved working for Tots to Teens, it helped me stay focused on something other than things that didn’t matter. I was creating content, searching for content, and talking to people. I was happy in my element.

EarthWithoutArt

I love to write, I love to paint, draw, hot glue, glitter, stamp, draw, cook, create with my hands and my mind. I’m more colorful because of that. I’m me again, because I invited color and creativity back into my life (along with other things. I’m also thankful for a strong loving support unit). I use to get excited to write papers about things I truly cared about for school and do PowerPointPresentations (because that was the most creative thing you can do for online classes). Now, I’m excited to write for me and for you.

Being creative helped save me from… me. The more creativity I use, the more I feel better.

You Can't Use Up Your CREATIVITY. The More you use, the more you have.

Are you creative? Do you use your creativity to help you?

*******

We shared ours, now it’s time to share yours! (That’s What She Said)

Show us yours



Next Week's Quote

 

 

That's What She Said| Mary Poppins| In every job that must be done there is an element of fun. | Women's Words| Quote How do you make work fun? Is your job fun? How do Mary’s words inspire you? We want to see what you come up with next week!

Also, if you have an empowering quote by a woman you’d like to see featured on TWSS, please send us an email 🙂

Write On!

Sharing here.

30 thoughts on “That’s What She Said: Create It!

  1. Kristy Mauna

    July 7, 2015 at 1:27 pm

    I can totally relate to this whole post. I believe that being creative has also helped me with my anxiety/depression. It doesn’t really matter what I do – whether it be writing, coloring, painting, or making crafts with my children – it all seems to calm me down. Creating is my zen and I truly do cherish being able to share it with my children, just like you. I’m glad it has helped you. xxo

    1. MrsA0K2001

      July 9, 2015 at 7:22 am

      That’s why I was so happy when you started up your blog again, Kristy. I know you are creative, I know you can write and share your experience with others, while helping yourself. Writing is soothing, and creating things is rewarding, and channeling our energy into something other than our anxiety or random thoughts is a good thing. Keep going, mama!!
      XOXO

  2. Bev

    July 7, 2015 at 2:57 pm

    YES!!! This is exactly why I’m writing my ebook, and the former you is the person I’m writing it for. It’s so easy to lose ourselves, especially as moms. I too have waves of anxiousness and high stress. I think working with my hands and being creative helps me get through those moments. I think even doodling on a piece of paper with Eve calms me down — or at the very least makes me really happy when I’m not stressed. Thank you so much for sharing your story!

    1. MrsA0K2001

      July 9, 2015 at 7:38 am

      I cannot wait to read your ebook! I wish I had read it years ago. Your book is needed!!
      I’m such a doodler 🙂
      XOXO

  3. Amber

    July 7, 2015 at 3:09 pm

    I write, which helps my anxiety. I cannot craft though. Crafting just makes me curse.

    1. MrsA0K2001

      July 9, 2015 at 7:52 am

      😀 Sometimes crafting and writing make me curse, sometimes I curse in my writing. 🙂 But they both help.
      Keep writing!
      XOXO

  4. TiaMaria

    July 7, 2015 at 3:30 pm

    I wrote my post (OMG I FINALLY LINKED UP!) over the weekend, so imagine my surprise when I saw that you had also talked about the link between being creative and our mental health. I’m learning that a great deal of my anxiety comes from a lack of control, or my need for control in my environment. Channeling that into crafting/creating is a way to exert control and calm my mind. If only I could manage to carve out more time for these things, right?

    But I’m working on it.

    Thank you for sharing your story today. It helped more than you know, and gives me hope that I’ll find my rhythm again soon. I love, love, love those headbands and tutus! Definitely show more of your projects, I’ll be keeping an eye out to see 🙂

    1. MrsA0K2001

      July 9, 2015 at 8:14 am

      Great minds think alike. 🙂
      I was a bit apprehensive to share this, but I’m glad I did. If I can help anyone I’m happy, so thank you for that!! YES, control. Control is an issue for me. My lack of control has put me in knots and has made me literally sick to my stomach, I hate it. I’m doing much better, but I’m still a work in progress. 🙂
      XOXO

  5. Lowanda J

    July 7, 2015 at 6:15 pm

    Writing, drawing, painting, singing, being creative are all things that we, as counselors, recommend for others to do to help with everyday life. Because with everyday life, we have the good and the bad. Little things begin to pile up and we don’t understand why we feel the way we do. By expressing your creative side, people are able to see a pattern of behavior and are able to better manage life I’m so glad that you were able to find your “happy place”. May we continue to be blessed with your creativity! 🙂

    1. MrsA0K2001

      July 9, 2015 at 8:36 am

      Thank you, Lowanda! Can’t stop, won’t stop. I feel much more alive and aware when I’m creating. I love that I can have the kids create along with me too.
      I have purchased Wreck It journals and Creative prompt journals for friends and family that I think could benefit from some creativity. We all have it in us. 🙂
      XOOX

  6. Sheryl

    July 7, 2015 at 8:33 pm

    This is just beautiful. I believe that everyone has a creative side and that there is such power and therapeutic value in creating (even if it is just for yourself). And yes, you are so correct that WebMD truly does no one any good. I just told a client today to “Google No More”. So proud of you and everything that you are.

    1. MrsA0K2001

      July 9, 2015 at 9:15 am

      Thank you, Sheryl!

      Yes, I believe everyone has a creative side, I wish they would use it. It’s quite therapeutic and rewarding!
      I have reintroduced my husband to coloring, painting, drawing, and writing (he doesn’t do this one that much, but I have gifted him journals). I can instantly see a calm come over him, he gets in a zone, peace, and that’s rewarding for me to see.
      “Google NO More” should be the mantra of the anxious, for sure!
      Thank you again, Sheryl, your words made me smile.
      xoxo

  7. Akaleistar

    July 7, 2015 at 10:36 pm

    You are so inspiring! Creativity opens up a whole new world of possibilities… and is a much better resource than WebMD 🙂

    1. MrsA0K2001

      July 9, 2015 at 9:16 am

      WOW!! Thank YOU!! That seriously means a lot to me! Thank you.
      Creativity is totally a better resource than WebMD. 🙂
      XOXO

  8. Nina

    July 8, 2015 at 12:14 pm

    I so, so loved reading this! I can relate. I’m a graphic designer, and it’s awesome when you’re ‘in the zone’ and time just passes by because you’re concentrating and being creative. I haven’t crafted in a while or on a regular basis, but I used to be really into making handmade crafts that I also sold on Craigslist and for wedding invitations. I’m so glad to hear that you’ve had a turnaround. It’s amazing what creativity can do when we’re stressed and anxious.

    1. MrsA0K2001

      July 11, 2015 at 9:52 am

      Thank you, Nina!
      I love when I’m in the zone, the zone is good, it’s peace. I was a little too in the zone yesterday 🙂 I kept making new zentangle art; I’m loving it.
      Graphic designer, that’s awesome!
      I love that you use to make invitations, do you think you would ever do it again?
      XOXO

  9. Tamara

    July 8, 2015 at 6:17 pm

    This is beautiful. Writing and photography certainly help with my anxiety – and they cause it sometimes too, but ah, such is life.
    If I went to WebMD for my anxiety, I think I’d have everything under the sun! While I’m not so prone to panic/anxiety too badly after working through a lot of it, I know it’s still work. Probably forever! And I’m ok with that. It’s good work to fight to be happy.

    1. MrsA0K2001

      July 11, 2015 at 10:02 am

      Keep fighting the GOOD FIGHT, you’re doing great. 😉
      I can see the creative release. Your creative release has actually given me a little more strength to share this post. THANK YOU!
      XOXO

  10. Mary Cockerham

    July 11, 2015 at 11:20 am

    I just found your wonderful site and this great post from the Sits Girls Sat. Fest link up and am so glad I did! Your thoughts concerning creativity and anxiety are exactly the reasons why I started painting and blogging. Such important information you have shared! Mar C

    1. MrsA0K2001

      July 11, 2015 at 4:05 pm

      Thank you, Mar C!
      I hope you will keep painting and blogging, they truly are good for the soul. I never imagined this blog would help me as much as it has. A blog is more than words, it’s friends, connection, a release of thoughts, creativity…
      Let your creativity flow!
      XOXO

  11. karen

    July 13, 2015 at 5:52 am

    what a great quote and so true. Creativity feeds off creativity…it multiplies and keeps going strong. It inspires. Love the post and the awesome pics to prove it. gorgeous headbands!!!!

    1. MrsA0K2001

      July 17, 2015 at 8:55 am

      Thank you, Karen. I may need to make a headband this summer just because. 🙂
      My sweet friend Mia sent me a print of this quote, which I love; a reminder to keep creating.
      XOXO

  12. Sim @ Sims Life

    July 13, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    What a wonderful post! Unfortunately I am not creative on the artistic side, I am always jealous of those that are – the fact your children feel so at ease painting – ahhhh it’s great! My daughter is very creative, loves painting and making things. Very inspiring! 🙂 Sim x

    1. MrsA0K2001

      July 17, 2015 at 8:59 am

      I think we all have a creative side. I believe bloggers are very artistic and crafty, to maintain a blog with original content, images, and words upon words is an art. And that art can be addicting, you want to do more… creating.

      I love that your daughter is creative, keep that creativeness going. 🙂
      XOXO

  13. Podge and Paint {Upcycling} | Shelly's Cabaret

    July 14, 2015 at 8:27 am

    […] pastels, play with washi tape, stroke some paint brushes. As my dear friend, Dean, pointed out, ART IS THERAPY; and lawd have mercy, do I need […]

  14. Jenny @ Unremarkable Files

    July 14, 2015 at 8:29 am

    I just tried drawing something for the first time in AGES. I always say what a terrible artist I am, but you know what? It wasn’t quite as bad as I thought? I drew a little cartoon for my blog and it didn’t even turn out too embarrassing to publish!

    #mondayformoms

    1. MrsA0K2001

      July 17, 2015 at 10:37 am

      We all have a creative side, we just need to let it out! Keep drawing 🙂
      XOXO

  15. Allie Mackin

    July 23, 2015 at 6:12 pm

    How awesome that you do this. I was thinking lately that I want to do some abstract painting…good for the soul!

    Allie of ALLIENYC
    allienyc.com

  16. #FierceFriday Interview with Lifestyle Blogger Mrs. A OK -

    September 5, 2016 at 1:45 pm

    […] another tough question. My greatest failure… hmmm… my greatest failure would have to be the gray period of my life. This was the time in my life where I let fear completely rule me. I didn’t live life as it […]

Leave a Reply to Jenny @ Unremarkable Files Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *