Creation vs. Consumption
The older I get, the more I recognize seasonal rhythms in my life. Here in December, I sit reflecting on the year. I’m noticing how much my heart wants to slow, reflect, and think on the year and where I want to go moving forward. One thing I have kept dwelling on is this idea of creation versus consumption.
Fact: When we create more, we consume less.
Whenever I find myself in a rut, I can see where I’ve begun to allow consumption to take over. I’ve been scrolling more. Spending more. Eating more. Drinking more. I’ve been taking in too much. Sometimes the input is even GOOD. Books, movies, podcasts. But we live in a very loud world. We live in a world that’s shouting its ideas so loudly it can be incredibly difficult to tune out. Unless you just TURN IT OFF.
I’m thinking about what “turning it off” looks like for me. At times, I’ve banned things like parenting books, because too many ideas and perspectives have only caused me to be confused and inconsistent with my kids. I try to have time limits on my phone so I’m not on it too often. Then, of course, the ever-popular social media break. I’ve done that one before, and I’ll do it again. In fact, I’m doing it again.
Beyond limiting consumption— I find I need to REPLACE it with something. Creation is that thing.
What am I creating?
Right now, bagels. So many bagels. I got on the sourdough train, and I haven’t gone more than a day without baking since October 30. I’m not even baking loaves, only bagels. Haha…
Art, obviously. I’m a professional artist. But you’d be surprised how easy it is, even for a creative, to lean into all the “other things” besides creating the work. Running a business is all-consuming at times, but I’m pushing myself into a season of creating instead of selling. If you see me go quiet, know there is some great beauty coming again. While I have a show at the end of January (Spotlight on Art), it’s something I don’t have to be present for. So truly, I have FOUR MONTHS until my next show, so I’m planning to hunker down and create some new, quality work.
I’m also creating connection. Opening my home in hospitality. Bringing people together. I want to cook real food, create space for real conversation, and create a beautiful, safe space for my friends, my family, my children’s friends, etc. I’m excited to start creating beauty IN MY HOME again. Interior design, decorating, and doing it from my own head, heart, and hands. Less input, more of what brings my family and me JOY.
Experiences. I’m brainstorming the activities and experiences my kids get excited about and long for. Thinking beyond spending or more consumption-heavy experiences and leaning into the ones that push us to move our bodies, test and challenge our minds, and explore.
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Side note. Can we talk about AI?
Talk about consumption. A few weeks ago, I posted about how I use AI within my business. As a busy mom, and someone who needs to cut corners at times, I’ve used things like Chat GPT or Gemini to help with creating marketing images, writing and editing posts, organizing thoughts and ideas, etc. It’s convenient. It’s easy. Since then, my eyes have been opened, through research, to the detriment of these AI platforms. The energy, water, and resources going into AI use and development are something I’ve decided I no longer want to excessively contribute to. We definitely live in a world where completely avoiding it is near impossible, and I don’t have the capacity to commit to something like that. What I CAN do is delete these apps from my phone. I can stop using them for the tasks in my life that I can most definitely do on my own (after all, I always did before now).
I appreciated the clear, concise article MIT put out — easy to understand, if you want to do your own research.
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So, where have my reflections left me? For now, hibernating with my family, December responsibilities, and fun. I’m making it a goal to intentionally create SOMETHING for an hour every day.
I’m saying farewell until the end of the year. Maybe longer. But don’t forget about me. ;) If you want to stay in touch, make sure you’re on my email list!
Merriest Christmas, friends.
