When Life Hits Pause

It’s been a while since I’ve had much to say. Not because I don’t want to, but because sometimes, words feel heavy.

A few weeks ago, life threw a curveball I never saw coming. My mom underwent sudden surgery, and we were hit with the news that she’d need to begin cancer treatments. It’s the kind of thing that stops you in your tracks. One minute, you’re planning, creating, dreaming up new projects, and the next, you’re just trying to make it through the day, balancing appointments, worries, and the weight of it all.

During times like these, the business—something I’ve poured so much of myself into—had to take a backseat. And while I know that’s okay, it’s also hard. I’ve always believed that creativity has a way of carrying us through, that making things with our hands and hearts can be healing. But right now? Right now, I just feel stuck.

A Snow Day & A Still Moment

Today, we were given a snow day. A little unexpected pause in the middle of everything. My daughter-in-law, a teacher, got to stay home and love on the grandbabies, filling the house with the kind of joy that only little voices and laughter can bring.

I should’ve taken the day to get into the studio—to catch up, to push forward, to do something. There are new designs waiting to be released, DIY projects I was so excited to expand, and a half-finished piece sitting on my desk that was meant to be a gift for some of my besties. It just needs a little paint and some love. It’s all right there, waiting.

But instead of working, I just sat here.

And I realized something—I’m tired. Not just physically, but creatively. Emotionally. Mentally. Climbing the stairs to my studio feels like scaling the highest peak in the Adirondacks. And today, I just couldn’t do it.

Giving Myself Grace

So instead of forcing it, I’m giving myself permission to just be today. To breathe. To take in the quiet, to sit with my thoughts, and to remind myself that it’s okay to pause. The work will still be there when I’m ready.

I don’t share this for sympathy or to bring anyone down. I share it because I know I’m not the only one who’s felt this way—stuck between what you need to do and what your heart just can’t do right now. And if you’re in that place, I want to remind you (and myself) that it’s okay to step back. To take care of yourself. To let creativity return when it’s ready, not when you think it should.

To those of you who have supported me, who are still here reading this—thank you. Your kindness and patience mean the world.

I’ll be back in the studio soon. But for today, I’m just breathing.

❤️ Celicia
~ Chasing Misadventures in Arts, Crafts, & a Rustic Life