On Creativity, Motherhood, and the Messy Blending of Both

Some days I can’t breath.

It seems so melodramatic to say it that way, but it’s true. Some days I just feel entirely stifled by this beautiful, extraordinary life that I’m living. I’m knee deep in motherhood, and it’s a blessed gift. I do not for a second take for granted this opportunity I’ve been given to raise four amazing young people.

I’m not complaining.

But sometimes I feel so lost in motherhood that I forget there was a me that existed before diapers and braces and all the stages in between.

There was a version of me that thrived without the responsibility of the title “Mom.” And sometimes I miss that girl. She’s still here, all tucked away nice and secure. Sometimes she even makes her way out into the light when there are moments of down time in which to relish the silence.

But there’s a season of motherhood that requires much, and I’m just now beginning to emerge. I like to call it the Dark Ages. This is the time in a mother’s life when that past version of herself has to tuck into the corner and wait.

This looks different for all moms, of course, based on their particular gifts, interests, the number of children they have, and the make up of their unique circumstances. But all of us experience these Dark Ages to some degree.

Motherhood is a grand laying down of self…but it does not mean we sacrifice everything. We were never meant to lose ourselves completely in motherhood. Oh, no. We simply shift so that motherhood fits into the seams of who we are.

It’s funny, though, if you look back at the patterns of history. You notice that the Dark Ages always preceeded a Renaissance of sorts. The arts that were tucked away, hidden from sight, come roaring back with great aplomb, and they’re changed. Different. Maybe even a little better?

There’s a unique Renaissance happening right now. Open up any online device, and you might notice it. Art and creativity are oozing through the internet’s pores, begging us all to see the world in different ways.

With the explosion of sites like Pinterest and Instagram, artists around the world have found a platform to showcase their God-given abilities.

And many of those artists are moms, showcasing their art from inside their homes.

They’re posting gorgeous pictures of their children, of their beautifully decorated homes. They make us drool over their spectacular cakes, and ponder life as we read their poetic words. We’re breathless at the photography, the paintings, the songs, and the beauty of it all.

My friend Wendy and I have watched this Renaissance explosion, and we’ve been entirely enamored by it. We started discussing ways that we could affirm these creative moms two years ago. Because while we see all the various forms of art displayed on our computer screens, we also know that it isn’t easy.

It’s hard to walk that line between art and motherhood. It’s hard to balance the need to create with the need to keep a house running smoothly. We see the beauty behind the photos where mom finds herself desperate for a few moments to dive into those parts of her soul that cry out for pretty things, and yet her time is limited.

So we wrote a book about it!

Life Creative: Inspiration for Today’s Renaissance Mom hits bookshelves September 27, and in it we dive deeper into this God-design of artistry and motherhood, and how the two melded together can look so messy and beautiful all at once.

As we eagerly await the release of this book, Wendy and I have launched a new community for artistic women. While many of these women are moms, it’s not a place for mothers only. Oh, no.

This is a community for creatives to celebrate the beauty of creativity!

We’d love to have you join us at the Life Creative Instagram community as we encourage one another in this daily, messy blending of art and life. Even if you don’t consider yourself creative, but you appreciate pretty things, then hop on over and follow along!

Life Creative is a celebration of all the beauty this extraordinary world has to offer.

Will you join us?