. . . And the body is really tired. There are many days when the muse pays a visit, and I want so badly to move myself into the studio and play. However, the fatigue of fibromyalgia seems to rear its ugly head at whim. I consider myself extremely fortunate that I haven’t yet experienced the extreme pain that afflicts many people with this condition, so I’m trying to find ways to deal with the exhaustion that seems to propel me to the nearest couch.
One thing I’ve learned is that there is nothing wrong with spending just a few minutes in the studio. I’m now learning to push myself, just a little, to go into the room and do something, even if it’s just handling the fabric, for five minutes. It’s amazing how five minutes moves easily into fifteen, and, before I’m aware of it, I’ve spent an hour planning a design or appliquéing fabric shapes and it hasn’t been an effort at all.
It’s been said that energy creates movement, but movement also creates energy. I must remind myself of the truth of this little maxim each time I’m about to surrender to the sleepiness, and create my own energy instead. There can be no greater medicine.
My name is Diane Evans, and I am a retired math teacher, studio quilt artist, and blogger. I agree with Danny Kaye that “life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint you can on it.” My designs are available for sale on my website and I am happy to do commissions –- just contact me.
Hi Diane
What a beautiful post and outlook on life.
You are so right, appreciating what you can do instead of beating yourself up for what you think you cannot is the secret to true happiness.
Your work is gorgeous and so inspiring!
Posted by: Melissa | August 10, 2009 at 09:57 AM