You Don't Need Permission, But Here It Is: Why You Deserve Creative Time
Hello, my artsy friend! I see you there, scrolling through Pinterest at 11 PM, heart racing a little as you save that gorgeous embroidery hoop to your "Someday When I Have Time" board. I see you pausing at the craft store display, running your fingers over those colorful threads, then walking away because "I really shouldn't spend money on myself right now."
I see you because I've been you.
Let me tell you something that took me way too long to learn: You don't need anyone's permission to invest in your own creativity and joy. But since you're looking for it anyway, here it is.
Permission Granted
Consider this your official permission slip (and yes, I'm making you an actual printable one because sometimes we need to see it in writing):
You have permission to spend 20 minutes stitching instead of scrolling.
You have permission to buy those embroidery supplies without justifying it to anyone.
You have permission to sit down and create something just because it makes your heart happy.
You have permission to be a beginner at something new.
You have permission to prioritize your own fulfillment alongside everyone else's needs.
You have permission to matter.
But Why Do We Even Need Permission?
I know exactly why you're here reading this instead of already stitching away. It's that voice, isn't it? The one that whispers:
"You have laundry to fold." "The kids need you." "That money could go toward something more practical." "You're not even good at art." "Other people are counting on you."
That voice has a name, and we're going to call her what she is: fear dressed up as responsibility.
Here's what I've learned after years of putting everyone else first: When we consistently deny ourselves the things that bring us joy, we actually become less available to the people we love. We become resentful, exhausted, and disconnected from the creative, vibrant women we're meant to be.
The Truth About "Selfish" Creative Time
Last month, I got an email from Sarah (yes, really!) that made me cry happy tears. She told me how she finally started embroidering after months of wanting to try it. Her exact words were: "I thought taking time for myself was selfish, but my kids actually love seeing me happy and excited about something that's just mine. My daughter even asked to learn!"
This is what happens when we give ourselves permission to be creative:
We model self-care for our children
We become more patient and present
We develop skills that boost our confidence
We connect with like-minded communities
We rediscover parts of ourselves we'd forgotten
This isn't selfish. This is essential.
Starting Small (Because Big Feels Scary)
I'm not asking you to overhaul your entire life or spend hundreds of dollars. I'm asking you to start with 10 minutes and a $3 hoop from the dollar store if that's what you can swing right now.
Here's how to dip your toe in the creative waters:
This Week: Give yourself permission to spend 10 minutes researching embroidery. Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram - wherever makes you feel excited.
Next Week: Buy one small supply. Maybe it's a pack of floss in your favorite color, or a simple pattern, or just a basic hoop.
The Week After: Try one stitch. Just one. The running stitch is perfect - it's basically drawing with thread.
See? No massive commitment. No guilt required. Just tiny steps toward something that might bring you joy.
Your Creative Permission Slip
I made you something because I know how powerful it can be to see our worth written down. Print this out, sign it, and put it somewhere you'll see it. Your bathroom mirror. Your car dashboard. Tucked in your planner.
[Printable Permission Slip included below]
CREATIVE PERMISSION SLIP
I, _________________, hereby grant myself full permission to:
☐ Spend time on creative pursuits without guilt ☐ Invest money in supplies that bring me joy ☐ Be a beginner at something new ☐ Create imperfect, beautiful things ☐ Prioritize my own fulfillment ☐ Take up space with my dreams
I recognize that creativity is not a luxury—it's a necessity for my wellbeing and growth. I deserve to explore, experiment, and express myself.
I matter. My joy matters. My creativity matters.
Signed: _________________ Date: _________
You're Already an Artist
Before you go, I need you to know something: you're already creative. You've arranged furniture, chosen outfits, decorated for holidays, made meals look appetizing, problem-solved in a million tiny ways. Creativity isn't something you need to become—it's something you already are.
Embroidery is just another way to let that creativity flow.
So what do you say? Are you ready to give yourself permission to start? Not next month, not when things calm down, not when you've finished that endless to-do list. Now. Today. This moment.
You deserve this. You really, really do.
[Download Your Creative Permission Slip Here - Free PDF]
Ready to get started?
I'd love to be part of your journey, so I’ve created a fun 15-stitch sampler guide with patterns that let you learn while creating something you’ll actually want to keep! Download your free pattern and guide to stitch along with me! The pattern has 15 different stitches for you to practice. And if you need help, I’ve got you! Hop over to my master stitch list or connect with me on YouTube to watch step-by-step videos for each of the stitches.
Want more accountability? Share this it with a fellow crafty friend who could use some creative inspiration in their life—because the more, the merrier!
Happy stitching, my artsy friend! 🪡✨
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Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links which means if you purchase an item through an affiliate link I may receive a small commission at no cost to you — which is awesome because I ‘d be sharing with you anyway!