“I don’t have TIME to be sick!” was my reaction when I woke up with a scratchy throat.
And then it dawned on me. I am badly infected with Hurry Sickness. It’s not a diagnosis your doctor will ever make, but it’s an affliction nonetheless. And I know a great remedy for it, short term anyway.
A rainy afternoon crafting with your favorite girlfriends. It’s what I call “recess for grown-ups” and it works wonders.
I called up a few friends and invited them for a few joyful hours of play in my studio. Because I was working on a new book on crafting, I invited them to try out some of the projects. Because they know my studio is full of paper and glitter, antique type and vintage lace, papier mache supplies and soldering irons they all jumped at the chance.
We made a terrific mess and ate too much chocolate, we laughed until the tears ran down our faces. When they left I realized I hadn’t worried about a deadline or glanced at my watch all afternoon. My neck wasn’t tight and my teeth weren’t clenched.
We can’t erase stress from our lives or throw out the crammed calendar, but we can build in spaces of time to snip some paper or solder a necklace. Time for creative play. Recess!
My book is out now and the calendar is too crammed. I think it’s time for another stress breaking afternoon. Time for recess again!
My name is Sharyn Sowell and you can find more of my artwork at www.SharynSowell.com
GIVEAWAY: Sharyn has graciously offered to giveaway one of her books. TO ENTER simply post your comment on her entry and we'll pull the winner out of a hat! Good Luck! This offer ends on November 19, 2009
Awesome! I agree, crafting makes you forget about the demands of the outer world. It's therapy. Thanks for shairng your book :).
Posted by: Reija | November 16, 2009 at 06:57 AM
I always feel better after I create something.
Posted by: twitter.com/gabbyquilts | November 16, 2009 at 07:15 AM
Sharyn, your work is lovely and amazing. It makes me want to stop for a little creative recess.
Posted by: Cherish Flieder | November 16, 2009 at 02:46 PM
An inspirational message for all of us. thanks for your wonderful sharing of your own experience of greatness.
Posted by: cheap soma | November 16, 2009 at 09:44 PM
you have such lucky girlfriends! :) congratulations on your book - it looks like a beautiful book and would be a great tool to use during "recess."
Posted by: Tori | November 18, 2009 at 08:43 AM
oh what fun! your recess time with your friends is wonderful!
i wish i could come too!
your post made me feel happy and relaxed just reading it!
have a wonderful day!
melissa
Posted by: Melissa | November 18, 2009 at 09:24 AM
I would love to have your book. I work with kids and am always looking for ideas to use that combine art and healing.
Posted by: Ginigin | November 18, 2009 at 07:32 PM
it's hard to remember to find time for yourself in today's busy world. I try to remind myself and friends to take "me time" to recharge weary spirits. The book looks great!
thank you for the chance :)
Posted by: sara | November 19, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa (ninjiom-hk.cwahi.net) may be another choice. i know alot of people use it, its also non alcoholic, though it's effectiveness is not as good as alcohol based cough medicine, but it's still good to use on not so serious scratchy throat.
Posted by: Bette | March 01, 2011 at 08:46 PM