You Don't Have Their Time
Creative Block → 055
Creative Block is a newsletter that gives you a glimpse into my life, creativity, design, and music. It's like a little pick-me-up that you get delivered straight to your inbox.
I’ve been on social media lately watching people talk about consistency like it’s the only thing that matters. Post every day. Show up every day. If you’re not growing, you’re not doing enough.
And I’m sitting here with a 22-month-old and a 5-month-old thinking… doing enough for who?
I’ll be honest. I’ve felt the jealousy. Watching other creatives put out content every single day, getting the reps in, growing their following, and I’m over here trying to remember if I ate lunch. It’s fine. Honestly, It’s been hard.
The thing nobody tells you about having kids is that you don’t realize how much time you had until it’s gone. I look back at who I was before posting often, making posters on a schedule, always on and I think, why didn’t I do more? But that’s not fair to past me. He didn’t know what was coming. None of us with kids ever do until you’re in it. It’s like telling someone how to swim, but they’ll never understand until they’re in the water. It’s a different experience.
What I’m learning is that comparison is a thief of joy and peace, but it’s an especially cruel one when you’re comparing your season to someone else’s. The person posting every day might not have two kids. Might not have two businesses like me. Might not be carrying everything you’re carrying. You’re not behind. You’re just in a different chapter and That’s ok.
Showing up doesn’t always look like a new post. For me, it looks like being present for your kids and family and trusting that the work will still be there when you get back to it. Also sometimes it mean waking up 4:30am just to get some me time or get a head start with work.
I’m still figuring out what consistency looks like in this season. What it means to show up for my audience and my family without running myself empty. I don’t have it all figured out. I’ve been away from substack for almost a year and slowly getting back. I lost the momentum I had, but I’m done measuring my output against people who don’t have the same responsibilities I do. I’m doing what’s best for me and my family in this season.
If you’re in a similar season whether it’s kids, demands, life pulling you in ten direction.. remember to give yourself grace. You’re not losing. You’re just living.
Lately I’ve been telling myself I just need to be at least 1% better daily.
You don’t have their time.
But you have your own.
Work with what you’ve got.
CALL TO ACTION:
Are you in a season where showing up looks different than it used to? Hit reply and tell me what you’re navigating right now. I read every one.
I love this Temi! You're hitting the nail on the head when it comes to comparison fatigue. I feel like most people like us who strive to 'succeed' or be 'active' struggle when we see others doing the things we want to be doing. Be it envy or jealousy it's in our nature to feel a certain way about it. But it's a good thing for us to acknowledge differences in others and shift the perspective in what 'success' and 'being active' means to each person. Being more present! Glad to see you being active and present in your life! 😁
Thanks for this Temi. The shift in how you have to think about time was the biggest change for me before vs. after kids. I actually think I'm more productive now, although it definitely doesn't always feel that way. And also I think there's never really a balance with kids and that's ok!