What if I don't rush it?

The things I’m meant to create often find me on their own. I’ve written before about letting go of control and consciously practicing slowing down, sometimes even reaching the point of doing absolutely nothing. In recent months, I’ve truly put into practice what I always talk about. I don’t want to map everything out in advance. Now that September is here, I’ve realised something important, though it’s so obvious that I don’t even understand why it took me this long to see it. The answer lies largely in the false illusion of control. Looking back, it’s clear that the most defining stories of my life weren’t actually the ones I had consciously planned.

I didn’t go looking for embroidery, either; it found me.

If I really want to trace the threads back, I have to go all the way to 2022, to a trip to Malta. I was just visiting friends; I had no grand ambitions. I had a handmade gift with me, an embroidery piece featuring the word "ugh." I don’t want to jinx it, but it looks like I’m going to try to take part in a planned itinerary this October after all. Everything is in place for a return to Malta, exactly four years later. A few more photos from that trip surfaced recently; I’ve shared them before because they always bring back fond memories. Back then, I had no idea that those few days would mark the opening chapter of a future story.

That was the time I started getting serious about embroidery again. I remember how much I enjoyed it. It was pure relaxation; my thoughts seemed to sort themselves out almost automatically, and it offered a way to express feelings differently. It was a fantastic escape from the daily grind. That was also when the thought first crossed my mind that perhaps this shouldn't just be an occasional pastime. I didn't have any specific plans, certainly no business model or deadlines. The idea of ​​a five-year strategy never even came up. But I truly enjoyed the process, and that, precisely that, was what started to matter most. I simply enjoyed creating.

A lot has happened since then. Embroidery has gradually become one of the most important parts of my life, and I’ve started applying it in various ways. Sometimes I simply feel the urge to create something beautiful, but it remains a fantastic way to express myself. At times I take a political stance; at others, I try to be humorous. But often, I sit down to do it simply because that’s what I feel like doing in the moment. Along with the magnets, I’ve since added a sticker to the fridge, and I have a new one now, so I’ll bring more just to be safe. Then there’s that wall hanging, which isn’t my work, but I think all of these are perfect examples of how art doesn’t serve just one purpose. Different objects, different techniques, yet somehow, they’re all about the same thing: the freedom to express your anger, have a laugh, preserve a memory, or convey a message.

It really doesn’t matter if you don’t finish it. Or if you just give it a try. It didn’t happen for me by deciding, "From now on, this is going to be one of the most important things in my life." I did it because it felt good. Then I did it again. Sometimes, something meaningful takes shape from it.

Of course, I’m not suggesting we handle everything passively or abandon all plans. I still like to think ahead, perhaps a bit too much, so I’m trying to dial back on those ingrained habits. It remains part of the curriculum that I don’t have to turn every idea into a project, nor do I need to transform every area of ​​interest into a goal. It is quite enough that it simply feels good.

Looking back at the past few years, many truly important things began without me knowing what they would become or where they were heading. Yet, a great many things piqued my interest, things I simply couldn't pass by. Something felt right, something offered help, or something gave shape to my thoughts, and over time, the whole picture began to take form. There are stories that need to be born; they find us, and our only real task is to notice them, and then to make room for them. I could go on, but I won’t right now. September tends to be a busy time.

True autumn is slowly setting in; after this summer, it will be especially welcome. Let’s hope the rain comes, too.

In the meantime, let’s do our best to notice.

Ivett