Being a mummy-preneur of a marketing communications agency in Toronto meant my days were charged. I was responding to the needs of my clients. I was managing and supporting my staff. I was also coaching my daughters on the ins-and-outs of the business. And, of course, generating new business opportunities was constant. By end of the day, I was burnt out!
As busy as I was though, I knew something was missing. It wasn’t until my girls left home that I found myself itching for some self-exploration – I had a creativity craving. I always had an interest in entertainment, but I never thought to pursue it until I knew my kids were older. Once they moved out, I decided to indulge.
I began with a pottery course. Over three months I smushed, squished and pounded clay. I had little talent, but it was a wonderful stress reliever. I made a juvenile-looking pencil holder that now holds dog treats. It may just look like a piece of clay, but it will always signify the beginning of my self-exploration.
Next I took a leap-of-faith by joining an improv comedy workshop at Second City. I found myself with people quite a bit younger than me. Many were taking these courses for a serious career in comedy, or to develop presentation skills. I was doing it for the fun of it and I found it exhilarating. I overcame jitters, learned to trust my improv team and, most importantly, I learned to trust myself. This was such an eye-opener.
Today I find myself taking an African Drumming class, despite my lack of musical talent. Drumming requires you to work against your brain since you aren’t necessarily following a natural rhythm, but ironically I find that this provides a total release of frustration. I don’t really speak with my classmates, but connect with them through our hypnotic drumming beats – it is remarkable.
Whether you are a new or experienced mummy-preneur, it is important to explore your creativity craving because:
It helps you to release frustration, energy and stress
It gives you stories to tell to your family, co-workers and clients
It awakens a piece inside of you that wasn’t accessible before
It provides you with business development in a non-structural way
It’s good and healthy to get a sense of yourself because this will allow you to give back so much more… so don’t feel guilty to indulge
"
Printer-friendly version