In the last few months, I really tried to simplify my life in ways that would help me tend to people and things that matter to me, while still finding a balance between my work life and my home life. The last few years were really intense, and I found myself being unhappy and without time to spend with my family and friends or to take care of myself, let alone cultivate a passion. So, after organizing my priorities, cutting on unnecessary spendings and thinking about what ultimately mattered, I realized that I had a lot more time than I thought I had which, consequently, gave me time to spend on things that interest and motivate me. Two of those things are watercolour painting and calligraphy.
What I like most about these two pastimes is that they are quite cheap to do and have endless possibilities. Right now I’m working on flower wreaths and quotes. I have to say there is something particularly soothing about putting pen to paper and just creating. I love the level of concentration that is needed with calligraphy: think about something else, and you are sure to forget a letter or write the wrong word! On the other hand, watercolour painting is so soft and relaxing: mixing colours and playing with water techniques is quite magical. Plus, it’s probably the most forgiving painting style, which is great when you are beginning.
I also really enjoy creating cards and special posters for the people around me and my own living space. I love how customizable this makes home decor and how versatile it is as well. I’m currently exploring the option of writing on beautiful rocks that I found while on walks. I’ll show you the results!
Because you never know where a passion can lead you, I decided to create my very own Etsy shop, My Lighthearted Papers, where I list different calligraphy and watercolor samples. I would love to create wedding paper accessories or personalized posters for people to add a touch of colour and poetry to their living spaces. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have a special something in mind!
I really hope you will take time to cultivate a passion of your own, and keep practising and sharing it. Having something that is entirely yours is so gratifying and nourishing!
My Lighthearted Kitchen 
Beautiful! So glad you have discovered a new passion and outlet for being.
Thank you for your kind words! I still have to try your sweet potato muffins! They’ll probably make an appearance in my kitchen this week-end 🙂
I agree wholeheartedly. When I need to slow down, out come the pastel and water colour pencils, scissors, pictures and glue and I make cards. Spending so much time scrolling on a mobile device, scanning messages and posts, affects my ability to concentrate and really ‘be’, it takes me a while to begin, but once I get going, time passes so quickly and I am completely absorbed. The feeling of contentment and achievement is wonderful and I too thoroughly recommend developing an interest that lifts you up and takes you away from the stresses and demands of everyday life. ☺️👏🏻
I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels this way! The “flow” feeling I get when I’m working on my watercolours or calligraphy is the best to really get me back in the now and “real” world. I would love to see some of your cards! 🙂
I have 2 or 3 posts with some of my cards in, the most recent was a couple of days ago ‘I was on a break…’, another was ‘Mother’s Day, A Tribute to My Children’ and I think the third is a post on creativity I’ll look it up.
I’ll go have a read! 🙂
Here is the link to Finding The Happiness Inside http://wp.me/p6UDky-xT which has some of my cards in. ☺️
Interesting
It’s so true what you say about the concentration required for calligraphy,even (or especially) for Chinese calligraphy!
Yes! I find it so relaxing! 🙂
Like you I’m really looking to spend more time on my hobbies – I love watercolour painting and am looking to getting into calligraphy. Are there any particular pens/ink that you would recommend for a beginner?
That’s great! I think these two pastimes are incredibly soothing 🙂 I really hope you give calligraphy a try; it’s so much fun. I wrote a post on calligraphy supplies: https://mylightheartedkitchen.com/2016/10/07/calligraphy-101-or-what-i-think-is-a-good-starting-point/
Hope it helps! 🙂