Well, hello there!
I’m so glad you popped in for a visit.
You may have forgotten something really, really important. I forget it sometimes. We all do.
Have you ever felt directionless? Blah? Not sure where your life is going to go from this point?
Which road should you take? How do you know where to jump and when to keep your feet planted?
Are you even needed on this planet? Do you have a gift you can offer the world?
Are you worth anything? Do you even matter?
Have you seen all the successful people online and thought… “Wow. What am I doing wrong? They have a perfect life! Look at those toned thighs! And she just made $1 million on her YouTube channel? Oh, wow her boyfriend is soooo sweeet to her!! And now she’s traveling to the Bahamas. Okay. Back to bed. I’m tired and I obviously live a boring and lame life.”
Lol.
I think most of us have similar thoughts on occasion.
And maybe even… hopefully rarely…you have times where you just aren’t sure why you should get up that morning.
Maybe it feels like you’re on the hamster wheel of life. Day in. Day out. Boredom. Worry. Lack of time and money and freedom and joy. Doesn’t it seem like others are having all the fun while you’re stuck there… doing that?
Well, here’s a big fat juicy secret. Shhhhh…. You’re not alone.
You are not alone in that, my friend.
I am one of the worst comparers there is.
I grew up with the mentality that I had to BE the best. At basically… everything.
So. When I saw someone knitting faster than me, I had to speed up. I had to knit ALL the things. Immediately.
When I saw someone blogging more wittily than me, I had to research how to be more witty.
Oh that person makes more money? Bahaha. I’ll show them. I will work harder and grow bigger and faster. Until nap time, of course.
Someone who is skinnier? Let me starve myself and workout for hours on end! Well. Maybe one hour and then I get pretty tired. Cue another nap. Oh and I’m hungry now too. Ice cream! I’m convinced ice cream solves most of life’s problems.
Why have one when you can have two?
It got to the point where I immediately would size someone up and determine how they were “better” than me and then proceed to outdo them.
OH MY LANDS. It sounds absurd. But I didn’t even notice it. It was so ingrained in me!
Lately, though… lately…
I’ve been resting.
I’ve been cultivating MY idea of success.
Working on my terms. Keeping the business at a level I feel comfortable with, while still allowing it to grow.
For now, still working out of my home. Cue garage photos:
I’ve been appreciating all the beautiful and wonderful contributions that others bring to the world and enjoying the benefits! You started a business? YESSSSS. Let me buy something from you!
You wrote a book? Hallelujah. I want to read it! Thank you, thank you.
You can cut and color and style hair amazingly? I’m booking my appointment right now.
You’re kind and loving and charming towards others? Let me be inspired by your goodness.
It’s time to lift up those around us, not tear them down so we feel better about ourselves.
YOU are amazing.
And SHE over there is amazing.
And HE is fabulous.
And I am wonderful.
And LIFE is a gorgeous… GORGEOUS work of art, with all of us flowing through it beautifully and uniquely.
Thank goodness we all have our gifts.
But What If I Don’t Know My Gift?
I know. I know. You might be thinking… “Chandi, that is all well and good, but I don’t really know what my gift is.”
Oh you have one, dear one. MANY!
Several things.
- You are LOVE… pure love… wrapped in human form. At your core, you’re love.
- Sometimes you’ll forget that. But it doesn’t make it any less true.
- When you come from that place… in those moments when you know your worth, and you feel your truth… and your heart BURSTS with meaning… that’s when you know your gift. That’s when you lean in and take a peek and maybe… maybe… take that leap into new growth.
- You don’t have to know how. You don’t have to figure it all out, darling one. Just move in the direction of your heart.
What in the heck am I even talking about, you ask?
I don’t mean just do what feels good. No. Not that surface feeling.
If that were the route, I’d be sitting on the couch, devouring an entire pan of brownies right now. And then of course, taking a good long nap.
I still might do the nap part.
No. It’s that surging from within.
I went to England once with my nieces and sis-in-law.
We drove to the Dover Castle and walked out onto the pathway leading up to it.
The sun was bold and strong on my skin. The wind was biting and fierce. The combination of tingling elements and the wonder of the castle just astounded me.
And then standing on top of the castle, looking out over the green fields, I remember so clearly… one of the most moving moments of my life.
“I can do anything. I can create a castle if I want. If I really wanted to, I could go home and brick by brick build a castle. My life does have meaning and my dreams are attainable.”
It was an overwhelming feeling of being alive.
THAT feeling hasn’t failed me yet.
That KNOWING has lead me to leave unhealthy relationships and move onto loving myself.
That knowing allowed me to start this business and blindly continue to try and make it work, even when it wasn’t. Even when I was working around the clock and it was barely paying the bills. Even when I had a full time job offer. I turned it down. No, I had, had, had to do this. This was it.
I didn’t know why. I just knew I had to try.
If you have even that trickle of desire for something, what is holding you back?
I’m not saying sell the house and give up everything you’ve got. Nope. Unless you want to.
Hey, my motto is:
Live and let live.
For real.
Do whatever you want. Don’t listen to me or anybody else!!
DO YOU.
Follow that dream! (Or don’t! Cuz you can do what you want.)
You have SOOOO much to give to the world.
Just because you don’t see it right now doesn’t mean it’s not true.
You’ve just forgotten.
But tomorrow… or someday… you’ll remember who you are.
You’re a genius. You’re a radiant goddess. Your love fills the earth with warmth and joy and beauty and love.
Your smile floods others with happiness.
Live your life. DO your thing.
Eat of the goodness of life and give unto others with a whole heart!
Live out loud, as they say.
Or quietly and thoughtfully (hello, introverts).
But do you.
I’m thanking you in advance for it.
Now.
Please, and I mean it… please comment below with what you love to do.
Do you offer your wares online? Post a link so we can all come and see.
Have a blog? Post a link.
Love to write? Write us something.
Love to draw or knit or ride horseback or make candles or snuggle your dog? Write that down. You’ll bring us joy by telling us your story.
You’re needed in the world and you’re here for a reason. And when you forget that, you have only to stop and breathe and realize… you’re still alive. You’re still here. Your work, therefore, isn’t finished.
XOXO
Sending loads and oodles and boodles of love to you…
Chandi
Thank you for this post. With all the heart breaking news in the world and how we can get bogged down into tearing others and our selves down, it’s nice to remember to really love yourself.
Hi Chandi, You will never know how much this post meant to me today as I read it. I have been feeling at loose ends today, I couldn’t get organized, I didn’t really want to knit or weave which are my go to mood lifters.
I really love to do both but neither felt really satisfying today. I realized that I need to get on with the idea that has been living in the back of my brain and do something with either the weaving or knitting as a source of income. .I have sold some of my weaving projects but haven’t really pursued this avenue but you have given me the inspiration I needed. Am taking a short vacation to visit a dear friend but once I return will get busy to make my dreams come true. Thank you for the inspiration that I needed at this time. More to come once I get it all together and start living the dream i have had for a long time. Thanks again Rebecca
Hi Chandi !
Thank you so much for this sooo inspiring post ! I too quit a full time job 1 year ago to concentrate on my love for crochet, I just knew I had to do it… I don’t make as much money as I used to, but hey, what is money next to getting up every morning knowing you’re going to do what you love to do all day long !! I wish you the best, it’s always a pleasure to read you 🙂
Thank you for sharing that with us. I am disabled and have been for about 12 years so I have felt that way before and still do sometimes. I will never look the way I used to. I started getting depressed so I started wire wrapping jewelry and sold it, but it got to the point where it was to hard to keep doing shows. Now I crochet and I feel as though it helps. Now I crochet for the less fortunate / homeless. I feel like I have a purpose again.
You certainly put those thoughts into beautiful words. Thank you for that. I can’t draw or paint but I sure can knit. To start with string and sticks and end with beautiful creations….. Well that is a wonderful feeling. I don’t need the acclaim of others as I get so much joy myself just admiring what I created. Running and exercise bring me peace. So do my family and friends. I have a big enough heart to love a lot. Thanks again Chandi for making me stop and think.
Thank YOU for doing you Chandi! You’re such a bright light in this beautiful world. I loved sharing our experience in England together and visiting castles, it was truly breathtaking! I’m so blessed to be your niece. ?
Throughout my amazing 24 years of life, I’ve discovered that I love being a mommy! Growing up I always thought I had to do something super “successful” (because being JUST a mom wasn’t successful enough…sigh). I remember telling my mom that I wanted to have a super important job and make lots of money because that’s what I had deemed successful. Fast forward through a fairytale love story and now I couldn’t see success for my life as anything other than spending the day serving the beautiful family I have now. ? Some days it’s hard, feeling like I’m not really contributing to society. How could cleaning up toys for the millionth time, cooking another dinner, grocery shopping, and potty training really be helping the world? But on those days I forget there’s always something…. Like this post… That reminds me how important we each are. That’s something I really want to teach our babies. That the world needs them and they are loved. Absolutely. Always. Forever. Thank you for reminding me of my worth. Love you!
Love you, Shelby!!! Being a mommy is one of the most rewarding, giving and world-changing things one can do! Money is nothing compared to a beautiful family. You are everything you need to be and are doing everything you need to do… right now in this moment!
Thank you so much, Chandi. I needed to read this today. I struggle with several health issues (the neurological ones being the worst) and sometimes I can’t do the things I want because of that. I am a positive person by nature, but lately have felt so weighed down by everything in my life. This morning I woke up and decided to flip things around and just be grateful for all the goodness. Your message reinforced that and came at the perfect time! Thank you for all that you do, all that you are, and know you are making a difference and a beautiful one at that. xoxo
Thank you for sharing from your heart, Chandi! So many of us women feel like we need to compete with each other and in the process we just wear ourselves out and lose our Joy! I am learning to give myself grace like I give to others and working to stop comparing myself to what others have accomplished already. God makes us each unique! <3
I love to crochet, knit, rubber stamp cards (to encourage others) and cook healthy meals! The past few winters I have been crocheting/knitting scarves to gift to a local ministry that helps those who are homeless and this spring/summer I have been crocheting many baby afghans for friends and family. I love trying new patterns and using different colors on each project to bring more joy into the day and it feels so good to give to others.
I have two home businesses (links on my blog) and I love to support my friends who have businesses, also.
Thank you, Chandi. This is lovely. I like to make historical clothing. And do embroidery. And knit. And someday I would very much like to learn how to spin.
You brought tears to my eyes. Thank you.
You lifted me up today! Thank you! Loooooove your yarn and posts!
Oh goodness, this is beautiful. Thank you, Chandi! I haven’t been knitting for long. Really took interest last October and, with the help of many wonderful friends like yourself, I have come to love not only knitting, but pairing yarn with the right project. I have always wanted to write, but have had insecurities of selfpublishing. Other than that, I’m mostly learning to live a simple life. Which is hard since I have now purchased enough yarn to open my own local store.
Seriously though, I am a stay at home mother to a medical needs child. He is 9 and I homeschool him. We are each others #1 fan. I take pride in knowing that he is thriving because of all I try to do. Occasionally I fail miserably, but he doesn’t mind or hold it again me. I think that is rewarding. Oh and hearing “I love you” and getting those extra hugs before he goes to bed every night. <>
Chandi….so so true!!! You are a beautiful expression and shining light ?Love you, my dearest Channi-gurl!
Thank you for posting this, Chandi! I’m glad I clicked on your link in my Facebook feed. I needed these words today. ?
Hi Chandi. It’s interesting to hear you say all this because I have been feeling like this too. In fact, i recently realized I was spending too much time on Facebook and all it did was make me feel so worthless and ugly and amplify all the things I hate about myself. Now I only check it twice a week(mainly because I need updates on one of my classes). I have an Etsy shop (musthavethatstudio)but I have been letting it float for a little while. I need to get back to steering my ship instead of being pushed by the waves and currents. Thank you for being so honest and real. I have been a fan of yours for years.
I loved this post Chandi, you are such a loving bright light! I love to write, and am working towards starting a blog. I want to help others through my writing.
Hi and thank you!! That post was wonderful. I try so hard to be positive, I sort of live by “fake it til you make it” in that department. I often feel like I am of no value. The last few years have been really rough and I sometimes wonder if things will ever be better, easier, if ill be happy. I love to knit, see, do anything that involves creating. I get so much peace from making. Even on the darkest days. Keep being you. You seem like such a sweet genuine person.
Good evening Chandi
Thank you dear friend, thank you, loved this blog. I personally think I don’t have a purpose, I have searched seems like all my life as to what I was put here on this earth for, I see myself sometimes as one of the biggest screw ups, always doubting myself, having the feeling of being lost without a road map, and no sense of direction, I am getting to old to keep that up,lol. I know I am here for a reason though, I use to think it was to help others, but for some reason I don’t think that is it anymore. I do know that I enjoy knitting,spinning and have been teaching myself to crochet. But at what point do I stop, starting projects and never completing them because I get side tracked on something else, I do hope to find my passion before I die. Thank you again for sharing this today.
Have a Good one dear friend
Deborah
Thank you so much for this post! It was absolutely what I needed on a Monday morning. Being 26 most of growing up was the drill of, go to college, get a job in that field and then Bam that is it, adult that forever. I did that. Got my BFA in Photography, currently work full time as a darkroom printer in NYC and low and behold, this is NOT what I want to do, but no one ever addresses what to do next.
I have been in love with yarn and all things crafty since I could remember, knitting, crocheting, spinning, sewing, quilting, stitching, historical recreation dresses and even the occasional cosplay. A year ago I started dyeing my own yarn and fell head over heels in love with the process and the product! I opened a small Etsy Shop Uponacorgi.etsy.com and now am trying to figure out how to make that a full time enjoyment while I figure out what my forever goals are!
This post was such an inspiration to start making more moves to get closer to being happier in what I do, and to help give that extra push when things look terrifying.
Best Wishes
Gabby
Chandi you are an amazing and beautiful person. I have bought your yarn a few times now and I absolutely love them. Your eye for color is amazing. Whenever I look at your pictures all I could think was, wow she is both beautiful and talented. She’s perfect. After reading this post I realized you’re just like me, and everyone else out there that doubts themselves. Thank you. Thank you for those words of encouragement, for showing us that everyone has their moments and for reminding us to not give up.
Chandi,
I wish words could describe what I want to say, but I guess this will have to do. I love to knit and crochet. They both seem to soothe my insides if i’m angry or distressed. I’m going to be starting your Unending Love baby blanket soon.
I also love to sing, write, and draw. I even wrote my own song, and am slowly working on another. Music is practically my life. Without it, I’d die. I wrote a short story and am trying to draw pictures to go with it. I’ve also done several portraits of celebrities, family, etc.
Lots of love,
Shannon
Lovely post, heartfelt and spoke to so many of us. I get the “comparison blues” too sometimes and have to keep reminding myself I’ve got my own unique voice & talents and need to keep on shining on in my own way. In the fiber arts world (as in many, MANY other industries) it seems there’s always someone doing better, brighter, shinier, and why do we need to be there too? Your post reminds us that we all do have something to offer. Loved seeing behind the curtain to the vulnerable you.
Chandi, I want to thank you for this post. I have suffered from depression most of my life. It takes a real toll on ones self-image. I have always compared myself and my life to everyone elses. Of course, my life and I always come up short. Lately, I have been trying to remember that, like me, everyone has an internal life that no one else sees. I try to remember that a smile and a nod or a hello from a stranger, a simple acknowledgement of their existence, may be the best thing to happen in someones day.
Your blog is a good reminder that even though a person’s life looks perfect, the person seems like they have it all together, you just never know what goes on behind closed doors, or what is going on in someone’s head. A simple recent Facebook post is one I try to live by, “always be kinder than you need to be”. That includes self. I try do do that every day with everyone.
I always look for your email and open it first. It brings me joy and happiness to see the wonderful and creative things you present to us. Thank you for your encouragement.
Blessings to you Chandi. Your words are inspiring and meaningful to me.
No need for me to go into details, just know that I truly appreciate you and your kindness.
Hugs from Adrienne ?
Nicely said and inspiring, one more step up out of a rut I had fallen into.
I’m not much of a ‘poster’ but you asked who taught me to knit. My grandmother taught me at a very young age. It took several years to really sink in and for me to really get interested. Now people see me knitting and want to know why I sit around knitting. You can tell pretty quickly if they really want to know or if it’s just something to say, so my stock answer is…..because I can.
Wow Chandi. Thank you so much for your inspiring and uplifting words.
You have really given me a huge pull back from the big black hole and a firm hand in the small of my back towards a much brighter place.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Know you are a wonderful person to share such positive affirmations to those of us who really need them.
Hi Chandi! Thank you so much for writing such an encouraging post and sharing your personal thoughts with us. It shows you have a passion for what you do and the people you do it for. I am dealing with chronic pain and needed some motivation today. Thank you!
I am an accountant by trade, but have always loved to write. Right now, I am in the process of reviving my blog about cooking and accounting. I am also writing a book set in post-WW2 Greece based on the stories I heard from my grandparents. I love to crochet as a hobby and am currently working on Knitted Knockers which are prosthetics for breast cancer survivors (for my mom and to donate).
Chandi,
You have really touched my soul today! I was in a very bad car accident a while back and am disabled but can still crochet and knit for people in need and animals in need. I found my family to be my soul reason for living but my sons have gone on to be successful in their own ways and that is what I want for them. I am always depressed and get up every morning wondering just what I can do to make a difference in my life for others. I pray and send cards to others but it seems there has to be more out there. Your blog enlightened me and made me feel better about myself today and know that I am not the only one who wonders what their purpose in life is. Thanks for your blog. I just found your site on facebook yesterday from my husband’s cousin and love the beautiful colored pictures you put with your yarn. You are a very special person and I am so glad you shared your deepest knowledge with us all. I absolutely love music and writing songs and crocheting and knitting. Can’t wait to start my next project to help others. Maybe you could put some needed charities – ones that need volunteers to crochet or knit for them or give some of our names to them. I would be very interested I know it would give me a purpose in life. I worked for 33 yrs.proofreading for a publishing company before everything went on line for college textbooks and novels before being downsized right before my accident.
Your story touched me. I love the idea of finding charities that might need some support and sharing them with you. Thanks for the lovely comment. I wish you well. – Chandi.
Chandi, I have felt an affinity with you since I first discovered your yarns and patterns. Today I feel a sister at heart. I rave on about you on fb an in emails etc., your amazing and awesome scrumptious yarns, your gorgeous patterns and, ahem, blah blah. True all! Today you break me open and help close me up again better than yesterday.
I have been disabled due to kidney failure, 12hr daily dialysis and now 3 yr transplant. I do NOT give up or give in. My name is strong & courageous in the face of adversity. That doesn’t mean to say I don’t hurt, or break. I do. On Wednesday my husband said “I’m leaving you BY Saturday, WITH the overdue rent” and was gone. God sent so many angels to pack, sell, store give away all my stuff so I could go stay with my mom in a different state, saying goodbye to my cats. Tho I do not feel unlovable nor undeserving of love, it does shatter a part of that inner place.
My gifts are many, sewing, cooking, baking (brownies are a specialty!), bead weaving and jewelry design. Now due to the medications for the transplant I have gone back to crocheting and just starting to get orders, tho only by word of mouth so far! Haha! I also sing, I listen, I can cry for those who cannot for themselves, or for anyone really, I love generously and with a great big open heart.
I too, wish to thank you for today’s post! So often we skip across the surface of one anothers’ lives, never deigning to delve more deeply. Is that a selfishness that has become the norm, looking out for number one!? When each and every one of us desires to be SEEN, to be KNOWN, to be HEARD, to be LOVED for who we are!? Thank you for being so intrepid and bold to broach a subject beyond that of SURFACE!! Much love and honor my sister!??
Valoria, I wish you all the love and peace and happiness and success in the world. I’m so happy you had such wonderful loving help during your move.
This change will bring positive and beneficial things into your life and it’s all good!
Now I’m drooling for brownies and wish you were here to make some! lol. Keep up the great attitude. That is a precious possession! XOXO
Chandi,
Thank you. At one point in time I was living my dream. I had a loving husband and 5 beautiful children who were the main focus of my life for about twenty years. My girls have grown up, as they are supposed to do;I still have the loving, wonderful, husband. The youngest will be a senior in high school this fall, the older girls have all moved away (most of them not to far). And I find myself wondering what am I to do with the rest of my life? My dream would be to make (knit and/or crochet) things for others, and maybe paint (watercolor), too. But, at this time we are on a very tight, shoestring budget, as my husband is having health issues, and we are already self-employed. I am not giving up on that dream, yet I don’t know if I can make it happen at this point in life. Reading this blog post helped me tonight. Again, Thank you!
I forgot to put the link to my Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/SheriL-Richards-Crocheting-Knitting-Teacher-in-Pacifica-CA-326440900766501/
I did not have a say in this; it was assigned to me by Betterfly.com (now TakeLessons.com)
Sheri, the answer will come at the perfect time! You’ll make a way; I’m sure of it!
Keep up the wonderful work! It’s nice to hear the ladies at group speak of you and your yarns.
You’re so lucky to be your own boss. Times are tough right now but knitting and crocheting make it
less painful. Faithful customer!
Hi Chandi! First let me say that you have empowered and inspired me. I decided to try to learn to knit. Been a crocheter most of my life and just couldn’t seem to get the hang of that extra needle! So..I got on YouTube and started looking for someone to show me the ropes. And…I found you!! You’re instruction was very informative and entertaining! I was hooked! I watched more of your videos and the one of you using your spinning wheel blew me away!!! I shouted to my husband look what she’s doing!! I started right then looking ways to spin. I am attempting to master the drop spindle while I save for my wheel….so thank you…you never know the impact you make in other people’s lives. Which is what your post above says. I’m very glad to meet you. Kelly
Kelly, this thrills me to no end. I can imagine you yelling towards your husband about the spinning. LOL!!!
So well said. Thank you, Chandi! 🙂
Hi Chandi. Thank you so much for the above post. i love it. My cousin and i have recently decide to open a business. She lives in a little town in Cape Breton where there is lots of beaches and she picks beach glass every day. I on the other hand do wire jewelry and wire wrap sea glass. See where i’m going with this? So we got together and decided to start a business selling wire wrapped jewelry. We have named the business Kate and Ann’s Designs after our mothers. we haven’t got a page or etsy shop etc up and running yet but that is what it will be called when we do. I also make and sell rag rugs and crochet accessories and sell locally at markets. I love it! i get a high when i finish something. and a bigger one when it sells. i get a lot of wonderful comments for my work and it really gives me joy. Thank you for the post.
Beautifully written and MUCH needed. It gets tough and this encouraging message is what I needed.
Thank you
Thank you Chandi!!!
YOU are amazing! As I am sitting here in front of my work computer, lamenting another corporate Monday, you’ve reminded me to be grateful for the now and never give up on the tomorrow! I, like you, have been experiencing an awakening. And you’ve been a huge inspiration. With moist eyes and a stronger determination, I know my dream will come true after reading this. Thank you, thank you, thank you. For really being you.
I AM
Mary at Feelin’ Crafty Yarnworks ?
My dear Chandi,
Thank you,you hit the nail on the head about how I feel. I know what I want to do but three years ago I became very ill. After tests, tests and more tests the doctor came up with what was wrong. What I love is to help homeless animals. I would love to save then all but it takes money and it takes a healthy person. I do what I can with the cats in my neighbor. I trap them, take them to low coat spay / neuter, I made them warm shelters out of trash cans and a lot of straw. I put the shelters under low hanging trees and of course I feed them. They are very feral. If I find people friendly cats, I try to find them a loving forever home. Mostly it is ferals.For the holidays I knit gifts as I do not have money for gifts. Most of the people I knit for, never wear what I make. That hurts! One year I made scarves for people in need. I had to use washable yarn, less costly than yours. So I could make many. Last year I made beds for cats in shelters. I have started to make a beautiful scarf for my granddaughter. I thought, why am I doing this? She will never wear it.
In my email came your blog. As I was reading it, I thought this is how I feel. Useless, alone, I cannot do anything. I am so alone but yet I do not want to be around people. I decided today I was going to stop eating.
As I was reading what you wrote, I thought I will start knitting scarves for people in need also mittens. I will start to sew beds for shelters. I am always so tired, I stay home most of the time because of health. Making scarves and bedding, all I need to do it sit. I feel like I have a reason to eat now all thanks to you. I needed to hear from you today as did many people. Thank you so much.
I love getting your emails, you are so beautiful with a perfect body. You always look beautiful in your photos. You are also very kind. Thank you so much, you gave me hope today. I will start the scarves today.
Thank you for the pep talk. Yes, we all need it on occasion.
I LOVE the excitement and spirit you put into all your bloggings, the expressions of joy at the smallest things–and some not so small. Thanks for the reminder to look at this wonderful like we’re living, because even when it seems not-so-wonderful, it really, really is WONDERFUL and amazing and a gift from God.
Enjoy, dear sister. Thanks for sharing your life and your love with all of us.
Thank you for this post, Chandi. I always find your posts so inspiring.
My passion is knitting and crocheting. I mostly make stuff for myself or for gifts, but I’m at the point now that I have things I don’t use, so I’m thinking about selling some. I have an Etsy shop where I’m selling my mother-in-law’s paintings (she was an amazing artist), and I’ve begun listing some of my yarny creations there. (If anyone is interested, it’s https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheDolphinHouse.)
I adore your yarn, and I love that you are living your dream.
It’s funny that I read this today because I was just having a serious and emotional talk with my uncle about having authority to do whatever I REALLY wanted to do in my life. And then reading this post added to my decision that I’m gonna go for what I want! I want to be a singer! Of a variety of genres! So, I will be auditioning for the Cathedral Choir in Downtown LA where they have THE MOST AMAZING choir! And I also have a couple videos on YouTube of me singing. Just type In Venessa Villarama and I have my own channel too! U=It’s under Venessa VIllarama. Thank you for posting this on your blog and for taking the time to read this! 🙂 And I know we haven’t met but, I love you! 😀 And You’re amazing and amazing at what you do!
wow, very inspiring. I love crocheting and knitting and hopefully one day I start “my business”. You have beautiful yarns, the colours…..I don’t have a lot of equipment and battling with finding shops especially in Johannesburg(South Africa) that sells yarns and the accessories. Most of the time I purchase online but I would love to walk into a shop and touch the wool. You really are an inspiration, continue to shine…
This is great Chandi! People don’t hear this enough. I have so many interests and things I love to do, that sometimes I can get overwhelmed by that. I’m still young, just 25 so I just have to calm myself down and realize that I have time. Right now I work full-time with elementary-ages kids and I LOVE IT! People are always asking me when I’m going to go back and get a Master’s degree, etc. etc, but I know that’s not what my path is right now. My purpose right now is to pour into those kids and in some cases be a consistent adult in their life because some of these children go home to broken homes. I don’t care what society says I should be doing, or how many degrees I should have. It’s not my season for school again right now. Shoot, I worked my butt off getting the two bachelor’s I have now. I’m done with that phase. I crave real-world, working experience. In my free time I essentially knit nonstop when I can, knocking off one project after the next, getting better and improving my skill. I hope to sell my items one day, even if don’t make a huge profit doing so; I don’t care, it’s what I enjoy. I also have quite a few experiences that I think others would benefit from and I aim to write about those experiences and publish them one day.
Thank you for this post! It was a great reminder to me to keep doing what I’m doing and to keep my dreams at the forefront of my mind. 🙂
Truly inspiring. I needed to read this post so badly. and so many of your other posts today. I swear its like you know exactly what people need to read when they visit your blog. Or maybe its your raw honesty that we all can relate to that makes these posts so mentally and spiritually substantial. Thank you for sharing. Molly Burns.
Wow! This is amazing! I definitely have this feeling a lot! I love horseback riding! Although I haven’t done it, besides being a riding counselor fir 10 years! I am dying to get back into it! And I want my own horses! I am currently in school again, hoping that this will lead me to a job that I feel needed in. I have the hardest time finding a job! I still have the desire to go get my masters too!
Thanks for your words!
I’ve been realizing how pretty much everyone struggles with life and has these bad thoughts and insecurities, and I was thinking, I’m sick of feeling this way and it breaks my heart to know so many other people are feeling this way. I just want to do something to help EVERYONE! I haven’t figured it out yet, but you are doing it! You are helping so many people sharing posts like these. All I have come up with is putting up random positive signs all over my neighborhood or something haha. I saw one that says UR loved in rainbow letters. I love that sign and it makes me happy.
I have suffered many losses in my life. I’m trying to adjust and just be me. I’m a giver. So after several years of struggling with feeling like people are judging me for my decision to get up and be real instead of being what people think I should be. I’ve decided I just have to follow God’s plan and what will be will be.
I still struggle since days and then I see a post like this seems remember.
Thank you, dear one. We all need this.
Thank you so much Chandi. It’s not for everyone, but those who want to listen to two midwestern liberals talk politics in a smart funny way will like the podcast I do with my husband. It’s called The Professional Left and it’s at proleftpod.com. I’m also the associate editor at Crooks and Liars. Thanks again.
Perfect words at the perfect time. You give me strength. Thank you.
Thank you, Chandi! ❤️
I need to find myself again………. I lost my husband to suicide, then had to quit a job that I dearly loved………… I thank God everyday for my crochet, it centers me.
Chandi, thank you for the uplifting words! In the past ten days a relative and two friends in their 80s died plus my beloved 13 year old cat, Annabelle, died. It’s been a rough time to remember the positives. The yarns you make are always a joy for me when I crochet: the vibrant colors and the soft yarn.
I love to knit, learn, read, and sleep. Thank you for your blog and all the lovely yarn. Fiber art has saved my life and continues to help me heal from a horrible time in my life. I don’t know what I’d do without my knitting group either. It is now one of my goals to become a master knitter one day. When I’m completely exhausted some days, I somehow usually find energy to pick up a project and add one more row.