ANXIETY ruled my life, then I found the BEST medicine EVER - And now I'm an Artist.

Creativity. I believe we were ALL born with creative abilities, just like we were all born with a heart. Unlike the heart however, creativity requires a little self-exploration to be discovered. It is the perfect “medicine” for when we need to heal emotionally coupled with one of my favourite quotes from Albert Einstein:

Creativity is embedded into our souls. It is a snippet of ourselves we can show to the world, which reflects who we truly are without the use of everyday conversation. It may come in the form of a painting, writing stories or poetry, acting, sculpting, musical talents, carving or drawing to name a few examples.

I have enjoyed getting creative in the past, but it wasn’t until my 38th year that I REALLY started to explore my creative side. I was facing a time in my life where I was in a job where I felt EXHAUSTED as soon as I would wake from an 8hr sleep (do you know that feeling?). My days were lived out in a constant state of anxiety and fear, plus I was healing from a broken heart - this emotional struggle was the perfect recipe which forced me to find an activity I enjoyed in order to disconnect from MYSELF and seek some peace. That is when I tried my hand at a craft known as Macrame. Upon practicing the craft of macrame my world changed. My soul felt nourished and my heart full. In fact, rather than disconnecting from myself, it’s where I TRULY CONNECTED with myself and the start of a beautiful healing journey.

What is Macrame? And what makes me an Artist?

Well Macrame aka Fibre Art, in its most simplistic explanation, is the art of tying knots using different types of fibre such as cotton, wool, rope or twine. It stems waaay back to the 13th Century - the Arabians use to tie knots on the blankets of their camels and horses to prevent the loose threads becoming tangled. The craft was hugely popular during the 60-80's also. The aim is to create home décor pieces which are either functional, or simply pleasing to look at. Because I do not follow patterns (like most crafters do) and ALL my designs are created from my imagination, hence an Artist. Or more to the point an “Artisan” (an Artist creates for aesthetic purposes, and an Artisan creates functional pieces with an artistic flare). I do both.

So for those of you who were curious as to what I do, there you go :) I have been fortunate enough to throw away the 9-5 gig which did not serve me and transition into starting my own business ALL by exploring my creativity and ACTING on the opportunities which organically opened themselves up to me since discovering the art. I not only sell my pieces, and receive custom orders commercially and privately, I also teach the craft in group workshops as well as run my Etsy store online. I absolutely know I am living my purpose and maximising on how WONDERFUL life really is. Insert BIG HEART!

So if you have read this far, thank you Legends! I would love to hear if you have had a similar experience which has completely changed your path in life for the better. Or, if your are wanting to make that brave move to create a new life for yourself, what is stopping you? Please don't let fear or uncertainty stop you from living out your passions. Passion is purpose, and there is no failing when you live your purpose. Challenges - Yes. Failing- No.

Some examples below of previous work. Peace and Love to you ALL

Kristie Lee

ps - I look forward to learning how to format on here. This will do for now, being my 2nd post and all :)