She Strengthens

Finding Balance in Uncertain Times

As I settled into my new self-care routine, courtesy of a mental health charity, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. Each month, a surprise package would arrive, filled with treats designed to encourage relaxation, creativity, and reflection. But little did I know, my latest care box would challenge me in ways I never expected.

The Origami Debacle

Inside, I found a stack of marbled paper and a note inviting me to try my hand at origami. I was excited to unwind with a cup of tea and some step-by-step instructions. However, my enthusiasm was short-lived. As I struggled to create a simple paper box, my frustration grew. The lid was too small, and I couldn’t seem to grasp the concept of “undoing folds.” Moving on to the crane, I became completely flummoxed. My points and edges were a mess, and I couldn’t help but feel like a complete novice.

The Pressure to Succeed

My failed crafting project revealed two things: I was terrible at origami, and I hated feeling incompetent. I wanted to speed through the steps without a hitch and produce a collection of perfectly folded desk buddies. But as I reflected on my experience, I realized that my desire for success was rooted in a deeper issue – the need to feel in control during uncertain times.

The Lockdown Bounce Back

As I spoke to others, I discovered that I wasn’t alone in feeling this pressure. Katrin, a partnerships manager, shared that her colleagues were struggling to cope with the loss of routine, leading to unhealthy working conditions and digital presenteeism. Sadie, a marketing executive, echoed these sentiments, feeling guilty for not keeping up with the relentless pace of virtual book clubs and extracurricular activities.

The Dark Side of Productivity

On social media, this pressure to succeed manifested as a never-ending stream of perfectly crafted projects, from intricately decorated focaccia to decoupage masterpieces. But beneath the surface, I sensed a darker reality – one where people were using productivity as a means to avoid dealing with difficult emotions. If we’re crafting solely to keep busy, we’re still buying into an exploitative system that prioritizes our productivity over our health.

Getting Comfortable with Discomfort

According to psychotherapist Michelle Scott, the desire to feel in control by taking action is a natural survival instinct. However, keeping busy to distract from difficult feelings isn’t healthy or sustainable. Instead, we must learn to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, acknowledging that our value lies not in our capacity for productivity, but in our humanity.

Reimagining Our Relationship with Creativity

Crafting offers a unique opportunity to explore our capabilities, step out of our usual patterns, and gain confidence in not knowing or being in control. By mindfully engaging with our craft, we can shift our experience with new beginnings and cultivate a more compassionate culture. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to thrive during lockdown, getting hands-on with creative pursuits can help restore balance and alleviate anxiety.

Embracing the Newbie Experience

As I reflect on my origami debacle, I realize that it’s okay to be bad at something. In fact, it’s essential to acknowledge and work through our discomfort. By doing so, we can teach ourselves to support ourselves through challenging experiences, gaining confidence and self-esteem in the process. Tomorrow, I’ll resurrect my origami project, and if I’m still terrible at it, that’s okay.