Stick-to-itiveness and Smiling

I received quite a bit of feedback when I posted this photo and my comment on Facebook. So I thought I'd delve into it a bit deeper, especially for those of you who had shown interest.

Stick-to-itiveness becomes a part of us. It affects the way we look at the world, how we question and inquire into anything new. It even keeps us engaged during periods of being alone.

Stick-to-itiveness and Smiling  (What's Next?)

Some of us have a lot of stick-to-itiveness, others don't. I believe that this time of stillness we're in is meant for dreaming of what comes next. (Tweet This)

The quilter who produced these pieces of art had stick-to-itiveness. And seeing them made me smile on my morning walk.

Stick-to-itiveness and Smiling

There would have been a laying out of thoughts to complete these projects, but she (I'm only guessing here!) then had the freedom to create. The individual colours and patterns were up to her, she could make up her own rules and still 'paint' between the lines.

I am intrigued by the hours spent putting these quilts together. The dedication and the time she would have spent, I hope, means that there was some joy in the act of completion. 

To take up a project like this, we need to know ourselves well enough that the piecing and stitching straight lines, will give us some satisfaction. I know that if the pieces didn't quite line up for me, I would fret, then the quilt would end up no bigger than a placemat! Ah, but give me some wire and beads or some collage papers and canvas and the afternoon is not long enough.

Thank goodness we're all different. Each of us need to find what makes us smile as the minutes go by. (Tweet This)

Some people would wrap a terrible bandage, but spend hours laying down dots to form shading on a drawing. Some can leave a wall half-painted and still be precise on an excel spreadsheet. (children who will go unnamed)

Stick-to-itiveness and Smiling

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
Mary Oliver







Stick-to something. Commit to something you've always wanted, pick up a new hobby, learn something new.

Don't be predictable.This is our chance!

We might all work on cultivating a new skill but let's be honest here, we will always gravitate to what brings us some joy, what comes a little bit easier. But generally the more focus we spend on a new activity, the better we get at it. It becomes part of our repertoire. And this is what others celebrate when they know us.

We gain confidence, we expand our depth in that field, we grow. Stick-to-itiveness did this.

We reach a point when the success we have gained, must also be savoured and recognized by ourselves. And shared with others.

That's why so many of us turn to teach or sell our skills, or hang them on our walls, or wrap them as gifts.  Because once we acknowledge our skill, it is ours for always. Each time we pick it up it will lead us to our next adventure. 

We know who we are and can appreciate what others are too. (Tweet This)

We can comfortably leave the photography or painting, the culinary masterpieces, the speech giving and the creating with any kind of wood to others who enjoy it more. You become You.

Thank goodness we're all different.

And if we are fortunate and keep company with others with stick-to-itiveness, we will always be able to learn and be joyful alongside them.

With special thanks to my quilting neighbour who made me smile.


Stay well, stay kind.

This is the book that is currently making me smile, a lot.

Where Women Create - book of  inspiration 
Jo Packham and Jenny Doh



* I am an affiliate for Amazon.