By Hannah Lacy
Motherhood and creativity. Two things that require your time, energy, and attention couldn’t possibly go hand in hand could they?
It was a few short weeks after my son was born that I was reading The First 40 days, The Art of Nourishing the New Mother (which I highly recommend if you’re a new mum, expecting, or postpartum) by Heng Ou. Then these words jumped out at me: “Pregnancy and childbirth are the most creative acts of the human experience.” Being a mother is one of the most creative positions in the world. Mothers make all kinds of things and have the greatest source of inspiration: our children.
I was only 20 when I first became a mum and it seemed my lifelong desire to create only increased with motherhood. At first it felt like these two sides of me were competing – the dreamer/creator and the mother/provider, at war with each other. I used to feel guilty as mum for wanting to pursue creative endeavors. But then I realized I am a happier better mother for having created and a better artist for having mothered.
Motherhood is a breeding ground for creativity. It forces you to look at the same things differently. The 500th time you look at something you will see something you missed the first time. Plus limitations are creativity’s best companion. When you don’t have what you need – whether it is time, resources or materials – you make do and make something new.
i love this article! amazing how pregnancy can channel so many new creative motivations
Thank you so much Sarah! Motherhood can be so challenging but it can also bring out the best in us, especially creatively!