So I missed last week’s Love Your Blog prompt over on A Playful Day. Last Monday was about Beginnings. Oh my goodness have I read some wonderful posts about all sorts of beginnings. (pop over to the link and check it out!!) People have talked about the start of their crafting journey or blog or even the start of a project. I told you about my start to blogging 2 weeks ago here and about the start of my knitting journey here. So maybe it’s ok that I missed last week? Even if it’s not, I’m cutting myself the slack to do so. This is my outlet, my creative space to share and it’s ok to fall off sometimes 🙂
This week’s prompt is “Ugly”
I am hesitant to hit publish here. I really try to put my best foot forward here in this space, but I feel like being authentic and honest is just as important as showing the beautiful and the pleasant. So here goes…
Kate of A Playful Day writes about the ugly side of blogging here. I must say that when I first saw the prompt, my thoughts went to ugly knitting projects, not the ugly feelings that sometimes arise in the process of writing and reading blogs. On an ugly note, my personal new year’s goal/resolution/change this year was to stop being so judgmental.
At the start of 2015, I found myself in not the most positive place. I was really harboring some very jealous and mean thoughts about things, people, places that I did not even know were effecting me. I would see someone on the street and find my brain thinking rude thoughts about their appearance or actions. That just weighed me down. I found myself being put into an awful mood just because of what I was perceiving about other people. So I made a commitment to myself at the beginning of the year to stop.
Stop being so judgmental of everyone around me. I don’t know their story. I don’t know what sorts of challenges or blessings they’ve received. My assumptions about things were just bringing me down, so I should just STOP!
And, for the most part, I have. I still find myself looking at things and people, but instead of wondering why they thought that would be a good choice to leave the house in, I wonder what sort of troubles or triumphs they’ve had. Maybe they have saved up to buy those 6-inch heels and were super excited to wear them or maybe they haven’t done laundry because they can’t pay to use a laundromat. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Look for the good and the positive and the beauty in ALL people and things and places.
That even includes “ugly” knitting projects.
As a knitter, I know what kind of time goes into projects, and the money and the effort and the LOVE it takes to create something, especially for someone else. This new leaf of non-negative judgment has made its way into my thoughts even about knitting projects. I can look at projects and instead of thinking, “wow, I’d never make that,” I can notice the love and care and effort and time that goes into each stitch and I genuinely hope that the recipient of the project will love it. I can also realize that my taste in projects is not for everyone either.
That’s what makes this wonderful community so wonderful. Everyone finds different things beautiful or interesting and the crafting community respects and appreciates it.
What are your thoughts on the “ugly” side of crafting?
❤
Jenna
**the picture is of a mitten I started using colors I normally wouldn’t use together to try and understand a new technique. I really did not like the way they were coming out**
hardknitlife 
Great post and great resolution too. You’re right, of course, all those negative judgemental feelings only hurt the person having them. They are a complete waste of energy. Good for you! xx
Thanks 🙂 truly a waste of energy.
It’s interesting, isn’t it? I don’t think those colours on that mitten are ugly at all! What an inspiring blog post, this is something I try very hard to do as well, but still need some reminding sometimes. Thank you!
Very interesting! Thanks for your encouraging words 🙂
I try to find a little balance – I think I can definitely say, “I’ll never make that” and scratch my head in wonder, and at the same time appreciate what went into making something. some of the most unattractive knits I’ve seen were probably the hardest to construct, knit and finish, and you have to respect that.
What a great way to think about it in terms of balance. I think it true that some of those knits may be some of the most challenging to creat 🙂 thanks!
this is a great post to read 🙂 its really excellent that you were so honest with yourself and chose to identify a personality trait that wasn’t doing you any good, and choosing to change it is an excellent resolution! A lot of people wouldn’t bother with that sort of thing I am sure. I’m glad that it is working out for you, and I can relate whole heartedly with the ‘ugly side of knitting’ – though I do like the blue and white mittens myself 🙂 jenny xx
Great post & resolution. I totally agree – we don’t know what a person’s story is and that means we cannot judge. x