Boundaries, Rest & Protective Energy for Your Creative Life
As a quilter, gardener, writer, and home cook, my life is stitched together with color, intention, and a whole lot of heart.
The more I pour myself into creative work, the more I’ve learned that the most essential ingredients—
whether quilting, gardening, or cooking a delicious pot of winter soup—is my complete attention and time.
While I purposely gave myself time to work on Jane leading up to my 40th birthday, allowing myself time to create stopped
somewhere along the line and it shows. I'm blocking off creative time in my planner and sticking to it.
The Art of Saying “No” With Grace & Firmness
Saying no is not an act of rejection, but an act of preservation.
Just like choosing fabrics for a quilt, every yes must harmonize with your overall vision.
I often thank the person requesting my time and/or talents for the opportunity.
Perhaps changing the day(s) work better for my schedule or a virtual visit could be offered instead.
Maybe a donation of fabric, snacks, materials, or seeds could be beneficial to the individual or group requesting your presence.
No is honest, kind, and honors your relationship with the person requesting your assistance, though it won't feel like it at first.
No is a complete statement - you don’t owe anyone an explanation.
Action Items: Practical Ways to Set Boundaries Today
Here are some tangible steps to reclaim your time and energy:
1. Identify Your Energy Leaks
Ask yourself:
Where am I over-committing?
Who drains me instead of filling me?
Are my relationships reciprocal?
What tasks feel heavy and/or unnecessary?
Is the event taking place during a busy week/month for you and/or your family members?
2. Create a Personal “Yes Filter”
Before agreeing to anything, ask:
Does this request align with my current schedule and priorities?
Will this nourish or deplete me?
Do I have feelings about this request? What is your gut feeling?
Would someone in my network be able to reduce the workload?
3. Practice Saying 'No' Out Loud
Try simple statements that reflect your verbiage:
“I appreciate you thinking of me, but I'm unavailable.”
"I'd like to assist. Would (snacks, seeds, fabric, door prizes, etc.) be helpful for your event?"
“Unfortunately, I’m not available.”
Practice. Saying it in the mirror makes it easier to say in person.
4. Build Rest Into Your Routine
- Rest is as essential as watering the tomatoes regularly and pressing the seams of your blocks.
Schedule it. Protect it. Honor it.
Burnout negatively impacts you, your family/friends, and your craft(s).
5. Create a Boundary Ritual
- Closing your sewing room door
Lighting a candle for ambiance
Walk in the garden to unwind
Turn off your phone daily at a specific time
Listen to your favorite music or videos as you work
A ritual reminds your mind and body that you’re entering protected space.
Final Thoughts: “No” Makes Room for “Yes”
Boundaries are not about limiting your life—they’re about refining it.
Every time you say no to something that drains you, you can say yes to something that matters most to you:
Your creativity, rest, peace & joy.
Your life deserves clarity, tenderness, and protection.
May your boundaries be sturdy, your rest sacred, & your energy preciously protected.
And let your “no” function as a full sentence—spoken with calm, confident, heart-centered authority.
Piece.
Heather
