I struggled last year to adapt to having my husband home 24/7, since his stage 4 cancer diagnosis. The lask of time to myself, the extra low level noises, the questions..... He can no longer do the larger gardening jobs which he has traditionally taken on, and it was left to me. We sold some of his large petrol gardening tools and I now have battery powered ones that I can use. This has led to me discovering anew how much I like being outdoors and working on my own. It has given me a space where I can recharge my brain and my body. An experiment I didn't initiate, but which has proved life saving for me regarding my mental and emotional health.
Thank you for letting us into your life we don’t need you to be glamorous not many of us are. Just listening to your life experiences helps us to improve our own. A lot of us have illnesses that slows us down it helps to know we’re not on our own.
Thank you. Yes I think that is very much what I love about UA-cam, that people can be a little bit more vulnerable as it is long form and there is space for nuance. J x
Great video ....I am in my early 60's and have learnt not to judge my life by looking at others....It was a tough lesson learned....I can honestly say that I don't care what others are doing or thinking....I try to live my life by my own standards and if I know I am doing my best then that is enough...😊
Second comment from me, sorry! Just got to the end of the video and wanted to say that working out what you can do with what you have is always the best place to start and I really appreciated you talking about this, that not everyone is able to do things the same way. And really I think that is so important. I would hate if all creativity had the goal of mass-production. In fact, the idea that everything creative I do should always have the end goal of making me money has been the biggest limiter on my creativity throughout my life. I think we need more people to do things differently, to do things on a smaller, more personal scale, and in doing so we are adding value to the world and to the lives of those we are in touch with in a more meaningful way anyway. Secondly, I LOVE the idea of doing life experiments! I mean I suppose I have done them at random times throughout life but never thought to do it intentionally. I’ve been feeling recently that I want to do more for myself next year, more to make sure I am ok, and the end of the year usually has us all thinking about ‘resolutions’ or ‘goals’. Neither of which appeal as I am generally a bit lost when it comes to goals and plans, and resolutions, well they last about ten minutes before I get bored. But experiments… that’s something I could get into! So perhaps for next year I will try some experiments. And simply doing some experiments can be my theme for 2025. Also love that you sit down with a notebook every week. I am a huge fan of writing everything in my mind on paper. And whenever I sit down to think about what on earth I am doing and why, my first thought is always ‘I want to help people make themselves feel better through writing or being creative’ so your words struck a chord. Very glad the algorithm sent me to you today and THANK YOU for sharing all these wonderful things 😊❤
Thank you, Jane! This resonated with me. I often feel what’s the use, especially on days that I have bad fatigue. This year I am going to try and pace myself better, to not go into the making up for lost time mode whenever I feel good, to just chill more.
I think that pacing is the key thing - but also difficult to achieve without a lot of practice (& times when you accidentally overdue things and crash). J x
I recently reduced my hours at work - less of an experiment than a gamble really! I was so stressed and knew that working full time is not something I can sustain long term. I now have so much more time to be creative; I may have less money but I am valuing my free time so much more.
Just found your videos. I’m a great believer in life experiments too. I also knit every morning before I get going! I’m a carer and a writer so it’s not glamorous and a rather solitary life. I just wanted to say thank you.
I love your approach to things. I also suffer with health issues but manage to have many creative outlets. During Covid I discovered UA-cam and feel like it enriched my life beyond expectations. I’ve recently discovered your channel and absolutely adore you. No need for branding etc. you’re the REAL person who creates things and shares them with her audience.
Hello I only just found you…subscribed immediately! I loved this talk, it was smashing, very real and authentic. My name is Jane too, and I have a chronic illness, 39 years now. I so appreciated everything you said today. I felt really motivated, and I wanted to thank you straight away. Loved to picture of you waking up and knitting your lovely scarf for a friend whilst your brain-fog eased gradually. I have M. E. And brain-fog figures in that too. The knitting experiment is one I’m going to start as well, what a great idea, my cat sits upon my knee in a morning as well. I’m going to watch some more of your films, thank you so much for your honesty it really reached out to me. ✨
Dear Jane, I am so delighted that I found you in my UA-cam feed today. You are exactly what I need in my Life right now with our World being crazy here in the US. Listening to you speak is calming. On this subject I think you are very wise as you are giving yourself a chance to try a new thing and if it doesn't fit in well you can decide not to continue. For myself when I try to commit to a new thing (self improvement or other) when it doesn't work out I consider myself a loser. Which now I realize after this video, that is not the case. I shall adopt your way of thinking about this. I live in Alaska where my husband and I operate a cut flower peony farm in the Summer.
I think that the way society (Clarissa Pinkola Estes calls it The Overculture which I find a helpful term) convinces us that we are to blame if we don’t find it easy do things the way that is decreed is very sneaky. Life is largely finding out what works for you. Xx
You are wonderful just the way you are, I totally resonate with you and its so lovely to find someone who works like you, genuine and intune with who you are. I am similar. When I received your parcel it was the most beautiful envelope i have ever received, very special. I felt the care. Thank you x
What an honest, candid chat Jane I so appreciate it. The essence of who you are cannot be marketed, it’s your unique take that is empowering. Thank you I felt very seen this morning joining you for this video. I wish I was as talented as you, I love to read first thing to bring my head round. I turned 60 this year and I’m celebrating that. I’m also aware of the ‘time’ …. I bought myself a fob watch which I wind every morning whilst thanking my heart for keeping me loving and living. It’s become a beloved practice. Thank you again.
What a fabulous idea with the fob watch! So many of us ditched our watches for phones, I think I will pinch this idea and start to be more grateful for time, thank you ❤
I also start my day with at least 30mins of knitting 🧶 I try to take in the outside air or light for a brief moment. I highly recommend the penny gloves by petite knit to go nicely with your scarf. 😊
Thank you, Jane, for another enjoyable video! I always find your experiences/views/suggestions really useful and grounding. My experiment is to do at the very least a little bit of sewing and at the very least a little bit of reading everyday no matter what. It’s working well for me thus far.
How brainwashed we all became to measure our unique human lives in market terms: how much, for how much, how much more, how to scale etc.! There is fundamental difference between what human life is and what can be bought, sold or even measured. This is my first acquaintance with your channel. Subscribed. I feel understood, warmed up, less alone.
I journal every morning, sew something small every day, work in my sketchbook every day. I would love to start walking everyday. Perhaps that's what I can aim for
Haha, sitting here knitting a Sophie scarf in the early morning and watching your video! In fact I have two in different places that I can pick up to quiet my mind. Journalling is a big one for me but usually before I go to bed to get all the thoughts (good or bad) of the day out of my head before bed. I do like the idea of taking a prompt to a cafe though!
They are lovely things to knit as you can really get into a rhythm - though I have begun a different, slightly improvised neckerchief today which is a lot more demanding of time so may well not work at all as a morning knit!
I think all of us here would agree when I say that I love your channel just as it is! It's NOT in my face, snappy, full of hype... strategies... that's part of why I enjoy it! Also, you have such a warm, relaxing presence, no pressure... very nice. I'm on the brink of retirement, also have an Autoimmune condition ... with some brain fog..I'll try to just keep the job I have, but reduced to 2 days. I hope to enjoy relearning some of the crafts I enjoyed many years ago, slowing downn more.. all this to say, there is no need, in my humble opinion, for you to ever feel you're not doing all those other things. We all quite enjoy you as you are.
Lovely to have your video catch my attention this weekend. Your gentle spirit drew me in. I am traveling with my husband this weekend and have a couple of hours alone in the hotel room this morning. I looked forward to beginning to muse about the past year and the coming year. Your content is perfect fodder for me. Know your efforts are life-enriching for others. Sending you peace and wholeness 💛
I just came across your lovely videos by chance; coincidentally, while I’m sitting here in the very early morning knitting a plain sweater sleeve. I like the idea of trying things: I was born and raised in Glasgow, and trying things *just* to see if I might enjoy them wasn’t part of my psyche - everything had to have a goal, a purpose, be functional - but for the last few years learned life doesn’t have to be that way all the time and I can just try something new and if it’s not my cup of tea just discard it and try something else but I still struggle with it and for quite a while I have lost my ‘what if I…?’ I’m probably not putting this well but you have really have been thought provoking, and I’m not used to that first thing in the morning 😊 Time to feed dogs, thank you again for your work.
Thanks Linda - I’m very glad that you came across me by chance. I think that the productivity drive in Scots is very high, and possibly not always that useful! J x
@ Agreed. When I got up this morning in the dark I was thinking of my need to learn something new. I’ve been mulling it over for a while and have decided I want to learn to speak French, then I crushed the idea by telling myself I won’t stick with it, it’s dumb because I have no one to practice with, etc, but after listening to you I’ve decided I’m trying it for month - this isn’t life or death- I don’t always have to have a physical end product to everything I try, and I have a studio bursting with stuff when I do need something tangible. Onward and Upward!
I found your channel by chance a month or so ago and just wanted to say how much it resonates with me as a creative. What I love most is that you show a much more realistic view of what a creative life should be. Especially for folks who have chronic illnesses, or in my case, as someone of a certain vintage who has come to the same realizations of life as you and is seeking other kindred creative spirits. Thank you from the west coast of Canada.
I also have a chronic illness or two 🙂 Lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome and the accompanying hangers on and I love to watch your videos. You are always so positive and you manage to get sooooo much done! When I am sat on the settee thinking I am to tired to move I will be thinking of you striding out on your treadmill and try and get myself into gear. I have decided to start using my husbands strider, just start for a short time and build it up gradually. xxx
I think that the benefit of the treadmill is that I can do very short distances- ten minutes - and then stop if I need to without being far from home 😂
Great ways to find positives in life, whatever gets thrown at you. Thanks for the generosity of sharing your ups and downs, we can all relate in some way.
Thank you for letting us know how you experiment in your life as you adapt to your illness. I, too, have a chronic illness and have discovered that starting slow allows for more energy a few hours down the line. Thank you! And you NEVER ramble!!
Interesting podcast as always. You're definitely unique in what you do and that's what makes you stand out from the crowd and what resonates so much with others. Also, you're able to cover diverse subjects as you follow your own interests, which I really enjoy watching. Always thought-provoking. x
Isn't it a weird program we all seem to have that we are always comparing ourselves to others and have to always "keep up with jones" as we say here in America. We all just need to accept ourselves & do us. I'm actually more drawn now to people like yourself because you are REAL. Thank you for bringing this up as I'm sure this will help many or in my case a good reminder that I'm where I am atm & it's ok.
Thank you. I think that one of the wonderful things about UA-cam is that it allows us to see other people’s lives away from a lot of the ‘keeping up appearances’ because real relationships are built up. J x
You are very inspirational Jane, I prefer watching people I can relate to and who honestly open up and tell us how they are doing physically, mentally, I am struggling with awful Tinnitus related to muscular tension and it really makes me sad, I can't read or focus like I used to do, so watching you with my AirPods in helps me get on with my day, I struggle every day to know what to do, I love art and drawing etc but since Tinnitus struck I find it hard to focus on simple things, like writing cards, I try and go for a walk every day, I have a treadmill for when I'm having a bad emotional day or when the weather is awful. Please keep doing what you do, it resonates with such a lot of us and I think you are just wonderful ❤
@ thank you...i have found Julian Cowan Hill very helpful re the Tinnitus, he is on You Tube, he has an app 'Quieten' free months trial and zoom sessions (really helpful) also a website, he has a positive approach to how to lessen Tinnitus, he had it for a very long time and now doesn't, i recommend him for your husband, Tinnitus is a symptom - i hope your husband can find relief 👍
Thank you for this, it's really great you show your life like this....fellow long-term chronic illness sufferer here, also an artist. What you say about ' not feeling as good' as the 'out there' artists completely resonated with me.
@@snapdragonlife you're so right. Creativity is like breathing. Enjoy your weekend too, Jane. A wee bit warmer, but the garden is looking very soggy here in Alloa x
Subscribed the instant you talked about feeling like giving up when you see other people with more energy/money run their art businesses. I’m with you. I’m in. I feel the same. Let’s keep going ❤
Love this! Would love to join. On super tight social security budget, so not able at this time. Will definitely keep following your channel. Thank you for your content. Just found you!
Hi Melody. You might want to check out the supported places (which are currently from £1 a month - though this will go up slightly next month for new members). www.snapdragonlife.com/content/what-is-the-studio-club.
I love your life experiments idea. I think goal-set in accordance with the moon cycle and zodiac signs sounds so interesting and motivating. I am going to take that suggestion for 2025. My experiment is to get a handle on my sugar-eating madness which is causing so much pain in my joints and inflammation in my body. So, I am very happy to use your monthly system to help support me getting myself weaned off of my sugar fixation. Thank you for just being yourself. Comparing yourself to someone else would deprive us of wonderful YOU! Just "do you" as you are. Authenticity is a beautiful thing!
Do you know the Glucose Goddess on Instagram? She has a lot of really good simple suggestions for reducing sugar cravings - personally I now have a small tub of pistachio nuts and small bits of very dark chocolate (82% cocoa) that I eat when I would have eaten something sugary. J x
I too love to knit in the morning, it feels like a real treat! But it shouldn’t as it is very calming and I feel it gets the creative juices flowing 😊 Now it is summer here I get out of bed in the morning and swim and exercise in our pool. I then wonder around my garden in my towel rehearing my dahlias😂 It sets me up for the day❤
Hi Jane, I enjoy your weekly chats, I have CFS so understand where you are coming from. I am finding Yoga Nidra very restorative, even 10minutes in the afternoon… you tube Ally Boothroyd is amazing. PS loved the button collection the other week took me back to my grandmas cupboard of treasures 🙏
I camp upon your channel and was interested in your "creating experiments" in your life to improve your wellbeing. I tried it this past week with the plan of taking my crochet project to a little cafe I enjoy going to with friends. It ended up being a trip out with my daughter, who I never get to spend enough time with and it was a wonderful day. I love this idea and will each week be very purposeful about doing experiments to improve my wellbeing. Thank you for the idea!
I suffered with Achilles tendon pain for a year before seeing a doctor. I have found the physical therapy he prescribed to be very helpful. I hope you reach your beach walking goal!
Thank you for making this video on one of your not so good days Jane ❤ very brave and your piece to camera in your studio was very inspiring! One of my experiments was to get into daylight with my tea in the porch as soon as it's light. And before I go into get the pooch. It's been a great success. My mind is very alert first thing and since August I have been on a reading plan of Seneca’s letters and Marcus Aurelius Meditations. And the new translations are very accessible and the letters are short so 1 a day is totally doable. Stetches for seniors by Leigha Butler are 8 mins of yoga stretches - so easy and therefore easily remembered over time without having to watch her video. She's on UA-cam. Knitting I do in the evening because I usually knit simple things and I have been Knitting for decades 😅 so it's relaxing. I have set up a standing desk with the intention of not sitting too much in winter and I have a treadmill - neither used very much to be honest! But putting them together - now that's a brilliant idea and I shall sort that out this weekend! Great idea thank you. Big love from the east of Scotland ❤
Thank you for sharing your experiments, it reminded me of something I read a while ago that I forgot, I love the permission of trying it for a moon and seeing if it sticks or not, I really think that approach will suit me. I used to watch a channel on here that was an artist and had a team and a huge studio and eventually watching her made me feel bad about myself, in the way that I can never get it together enough to grow in that way, but actually upon reflection, I don’t want to, I like it being me, I like that it’s slow business with a personalised touch. I haven’t heard anyone else talk about this before, so thanks for sharing. I wonder if it is because we are so connected to nature?
I work so much better on my own - if I have a team I’m always trying to make everyone happy which is silly and exhausting and often does the opposite! I do feel that UA-cam- with the opportunity for conversation and nuance - gives a place to show lots of very different ways of doing things. X
Hello Jane..love it that you do this on a not so good day.. i think this is very brave..yes i am so glad i found you last year ..always so calming and fun..inspiring and so nice to hear you talk. Hope you feel better soon. ❤
Mornings are for chores around house, garden and farm. Then, I'm trying to embroider every afternoon when I'm home which is my happy place during winter months. It also helps me to not physically overdo which helps me sleep better at night. Thank you for sharing Jane! 🙏❤
Thanks for this Jane. Real 'food for thought'. I too try and knit in the morning, usually with my second cuppa. What I try and do when I first wake, is to tackle the Guardian quick crossword. Although I do it online, it does aid me in avoiding scrolling on my phone. I like the idea of 'life experiments'. I suppose both the knitting and crosswords are life experiments for me, that seem to be working. Best wishes. ❤😊❤ 😊♥️
Thank you - I think it’s really experimenting to see what works and then leaning into that, but not being worried about trying things that simply don’t make the cut. J x
I have recently retired after over 40 years working and it has given me a wonderful opportunity to really discover who I am and what I want to do with my life. I do not have any grandchildren that fill my time so I’ve been able to do something I’ve always long to do and that is to do art, I recently made a bedroom into my art room/library and it has become my refuge. My happy place. This is where I give myself permission to create. I also take several art classes, water, coloring, and art journaling, as well as doing some Bible studies with friends of mine I’m loving what I’m doing now, I get to discover who Grace is and I defined who that is not my work not my coworkers not my boss not anyone just me I get to discover me and I’m in my late 60s
Loved your video. Just keep doing the things you do your way. Your health is the most important thing (in my opinion!) and you should look after yourself and not try to compare your business to other ones. You reach out to so many people, you’re always bright and cheery so just look after yourself. I think life is a learning game and I am still learning in my 70s 10 but it’s always good to try to make things better for ourselves. What I am trying to do is to get to bed at a reasonable time to get a full 8 hours sleep. I feel better when I have had a good night’s sleep but can get distracted in the evening by looking at my phone, I pad and tv. I am definitely trying to get out of that habit. Wonder if I could try hard and get out of my bad habit with the next moon cycle?Sorry for rambling on 😂😂. Take care.
I’m in awe of how much you achieve! I can be organised but under stress it falls apart and I have to really manage my motivation ( I suspect it’s a mild form of attention deficit disorder) so my experiment has been to manage my space in a way that helps. I try and build up habits that help and next year I’m planning my art business. Right now I’m moving house and can’t tell you how many times I’ve lost the tape and scissors!
I find that without my morning ‘routine’ I struggle to get going. For example today I’m going for a Reiki session with Carrie at Tir-na-nOg so I thought I would skip my home done one - and here I am still in bed 😂😂😂 and on my phone 😂😂😂good luck with the house move. J x
This was just what I needed to hear right now. I have CFS. November and December are tough months for me in terms of energy and anxiety. And, unfortunately, reflection on my progress and achievements. I needed to hear that other people also have these 'wobbles'. I am going to try to get myself to a cafe every so often, I think. I appreciate your reflections and adaptions on your morning routine because they give me ideas to try for myself. I find your creativity and musings really supportive and reflective of my own circumstances and I do not get that from anyone or anywhere else. You make a positive difference. Keep going. And Thank You. Also - love the bird broach you are wearing and the red scarf looks great.
Thank you so much Kathryn. The bird brooch was one I bought from a Palestinian fair trade shop in Edinburgh a year ago. It isn’t meant to be worn everyday really, so has been glued back together a lot of times and has been through the wash twice, but is still there as hope for peace. J x
I just make them up in advance. At the moment - probably because of the state of the world - they tend to be about how I can make a difference to people. X
I am so much more tired now at 55 than ever before. I also have terrible anxiety that I am working on trying to manage. So I understand the shift and change of doing things differently now than when I was younger. I can handle the tired, but the anxiety can shut everything down for me. I am a baker and do shows and anxiety can make it difficult. Somehow I need to get back to how I used to be since anxiety really is not a symptom of aging. But my brain needs to chill in other words lol
I can well imagine how attending shows will trigger anxiety. I think that many people find that they are becoming much more anxious over the past few years - which may well be a realistic response to the world! Have a lovely weekend. J x
This was so refreshing, thank you. My husband is very sick atm & I just can’t keep up with a lot of the others in my sphere either any more, it’s exhausting. I just try to do what I can, when I can. I must say I am finding the UA-cam videos are hard work with the editing etc during this time. take care, Jane.
Thank you so much Jane, for another beautiful film. Your calm and peacefulness radiate from you. I love your films and Friday letters. They are always a joy. I have M.E & fibromyalgia, so your life experiments really resonate with me. I’ve found that a peaceful, slow start to the day is essential. Also, light in a morning, whether sunlight in the summer or a light box in the winter. Any creativity or even life admin needs to happen then, with rest or sleep in the afternoon. It’s a simple routine, and took a surprisingly long time to discover! Also, getting into the garden, just sitting with a coffee on days I am more unwell or pottering around if I am able. My life has slowed, but it has become more intentional. I hope you have a really lovely, relaxing weekend.
I think everyone loves you as you are Jane reading the previous comments! And remember you have been travelling with your previous flower business & built a business up & had employees - so that has been achieved. You are now creating a different kind of business to a smaller but very appreciative audience & in a more innovative way than the norm. Well done to you! 😊
There are lots of Channels out there. I prefer the ones that are more true to themselves and are doing what they truly enjoy in their daily life. eg. such as yourself. I do follow some that have the finances to keep buying things (updating decor or buying lots of plants for their gardens) to make their channel interesting. These are fun to watch as an escape from everyday life, and to relax wile having a cuppa. If I am tired in the evenings I am more likely to want to watch a relaxing video rather than one that would make me feel I should be cooking, cleaning or to rush outside to start gardening. My day is done by then 😂 I follow lots of channels of different variety but keep going back to my favourites. The kits you have made up that are limited are really special. You can't buy something like that. They are put together with a collectors eye and with love.
I find that there really are seasons or phases of life and for me, winter is about resting, searching my experience of the year to date, thinking about what I want out of the next year. Creating artistic reactions isn’t making widgets. Quality over quantity, being happy each day, loving your plants and tea and husband and family- that’s what make a good life. Take heart and take care! ❤❤❤❤ from the US
@@snapdragonlife I’m starting my days knitting too- it’s a serving a grace for my brain and body- just started this new habit! Thanks for the reinforcement that it works.
Love the “Gap” awareness in your journaling. Please don’t compare your channel and art life to the high performance artists . I think you are authentic and are doing it in the proper way and your genuine conversations are very interesting. You are your own Brand Manager, you’re not being sponsored /selling , which makes me turn off the channels that are doing that now. I start my mornings with coffee in my quiet room and making a gratitude list. Sometimes they feel unoriginal and the same content. I just started asking myself before I journal, what would I horribly miss if it were suddenly gone. Boy, no pause there!! I’d miss coffee, that’s for sure.
Just found you yesterday, and like the to hear you talk about both creativity and dealing with chronic illness bc it’s my struggle. It’s nice to know what others are doing, and I’m going to change my morning routine bc it’s not working for me. I’m getting too stuck in my head and not moving to DOING. And that’s my challenge right now. Too much thinking, not enough doing. I need to change my morning activities so I don’t have to make an effort to stop thinking and start doing. I need to not start my day with thinking! Hmm…
Please do not try to do as others do!, You are providing us all with something unique. No one else can do what you do. You are fulfilling your purpose. Just do the lovely you. All best wishes.
Lovely to listen to how you experiment with life. Food for thought. Have just retired after 40 plus years of nursing, will be tackling new adventures in 2025.
I read that it is the tiny changes to a routine that have the most impact on your life. I did start to practise yoga and meditate regularly and I felt so much better but then I let it slide because I was busy. I am now starting again, as I know they were the last things I should have stopped. I enjoy watching your films as they provide an honest insight in to your life. Life isn't perfect and trying to give the impression that it is. I feel. creates too much stress. Plus, I always think that everyone has a cupboard of doom which they fear opening in case everything falls out (or perhaps that's just me!)
Hi, I'm 48 and have a chronic illness that I've been really struggling with. I was a nurse in a big high stress operating theatre. I've long since left because of illness but I'm often comparing myself pre and post illness. My logical mind knows the futility of this but it just pops back and catches me unawares. I think your life experiment idea might help and I thank you for that. Cup half full, now there's time to create. I like your idea of knitting when your energy is low rather than scrolling. Thank you from Australia
I have had twenty years to get used to it I think Michelle - and to be able to see how great life is, even though I had to give up on my initial dreams. Happy knitting, J x
For me I will be retiring in 2025 so I've been trying a few morning routines when I'm off on vacation. It was interesting to here about the journaling as I tell people to write past when you think you know the answer. Push yourself and that is when the magic can happen
I think what draws a lot of us to an entrepreneurial life is that we can do our work our way. Yes I have done several experiments in my life. Two things I will mention here. Like you, but for different reasons, I become active slowly in the morning. I also find knitting is one of the things that I can do with that morning drink. I do it for exactly the same reasons, Another experiment I do is to follow that with an active period. This I set up using my pedometer. It it is the time devoted to what ever is on my list but which is active, in the house or on my property. This I do to get my mind going and my body - because otherwise I get stiff or trigger some of my aches and pains - ie backache, etc. Within this parameter, the items I do will vary depend on what needs to be done. I also do quite a lot of writing and have found mid afternoon the best time when my writing flows well. So I choose to do it then. This is of course on the days when I do not have engagements that require me to go out or meet somebody, etc.
I find your videos very relaxing and inspirational thank you Jane. I don’t have a beautiful studio like yours but I like that notice board behind you on the wall. Can you tell me where I can find one?
Wow! Very enlightning this çoncept of "life experiments"...very proud of you Jane for everything you've accomplished. I honestly have just realized that I prefer things from a person that are small and personalized, as to something managed by a big company. My experiment this year was to learn to do slowstitching and how to knit socks😅 both have been wonderfully incorporated into my life, and for next year I would like to learn slow journalling 😊 thanks for letting us in to your life, and I hope you are feeling more energetic, take care ❤
Quite often the 'wow' looking businesses have a lot of debt, the stress must be really high. I run a small tutoring business which took about 5 years to be a healthy payback business. After covid I lived on what I made (there was no way I was going into schools to work) very frugally but I did it. I have no debt or rent to pay as I work at my property and my students now come from word of mouth. I have worked hard but teaching is my passion. What I am trying to say is if you enjoy your work and you have steady clients just enjoy the simple journey. I've also realised I can't do everything that I want to do at one time so have cut down my expectations of myself. It's working, I feel in control instead of spiralling under too many self directed expectations. Take care =-)
Yes - I used to have a much bigger business with a big turnover and know that what you see is often not the reality after expenses. I once had breakfast with a really high profile businesswoman who admitted that her long established business had never made a profit. X
It’s always lovely tuning in to your videos Jane and coming away feeling like I’ve had a nice chat with a friend. I too have a chronic illness which requires a slow start to the day and pacing myself. Not everyone understands how this can impact on one’s life and overall well-being. Thank you for chatting to us on a day when you didn’t feel your best. I only wish I had some talent for knitting or crafts and could participate in your courses! I’ve recommended you to friends who have those talents. I hope you have a good week and look forward to your next video. 😊 ps: do you follow Common Farm flowers?
Thank you. Georgie at Common Farm is a friend - it was her indeed who suggested that I should start this UA-cam channel. We do have lots of beginners do the courses - especially via The Studio Club which is a lot of chatting as well as crafting! J x
Thank you for those beautiful thoughts. I never scaled up my two businesses (first as a graphic designer then as a teaching and writing clinical aromatherapist). Might be bad for some, but staying small and content was always precious to me - as long as I can pay my few expenses and afford organic food. - The Bossa nova combined with the snow were so funny (in my old home place in Brazil it's super hot by now, the summer holidays start soon).
The Bossa nova is a little bit of an in joke - I love Bossa nova, the rest of my family is less impressed, so it is the music that is often playing while I’m in The Studio and therefore I decided to bring it into the videos (which family don’t watch)
I am trying a few new things over the next year, some a return to old ways I have profoundly enjoyed, such as open fires and wood smoke. spending more time in a beautiful place amongst the wildlife of rural somerset. Colour, flowers fabrics historical outfits, natural dyes, all these things make my heart sing, I intend to much more of them
Thank you for this helpfull episode🌸 This year I have started using castor oil to detox my body. You can find a lot of information on UA-cam. I use a coldpressed oil, and put some drops in my navel and the oil will go inside to the parts that need it. Some people prefer using at bed time because the oil makes them relaxed. Others can go into prosesses that will keep them awake. I think it is important to find out what the body is trying to te tell us. The oil can also be used directly to the problem area.
I struggled last year to adapt to having my husband home 24/7, since his stage 4 cancer diagnosis. The lask of time to myself, the extra low level noises, the questions.....
He can no longer do the larger gardening jobs which he has traditionally taken on, and it was left to me. We sold some of his large petrol gardening tools and I now have battery powered ones that I can use.
This has led to me discovering anew how much I like being outdoors and working on my own. It has given me a space where I can recharge my brain and my body. An experiment I didn't initiate, but which has proved life saving for me regarding my mental and emotional health.
Thank you for letting us into your life we don’t need you to be glamorous not many of us are. Just listening to your life experiences helps us to improve our own. A lot of us have illnesses that slows us down it helps to know we’re not on our own.
Thank you. Yes I think that is very much what I love about UA-cam, that people can be a little bit more vulnerable as it is long form and there is space for nuance. J x
I agree. She is helping us too in this stage in life.
Great video ....I am in my early 60's and have learnt not to judge my life by looking at others....It was a tough lesson learned....I can honestly say that I don't care what others are doing or thinking....I try to live my life by my own standards and if I know I am doing my best then that is enough...😊
Thanks Susan. Very wise! J x
Second comment from me, sorry! Just got to the end of the video and wanted to say that working out what you can do with what you have is always the best place to start and I really appreciated you talking about this, that not everyone is able to do things the same way. And really I think that is so important. I would hate if all creativity had the goal of mass-production. In fact, the idea that everything creative I do should always have the end goal of making me money has been the biggest limiter on my creativity throughout my life. I think we need more people to do things differently, to do things on a smaller, more personal scale, and in doing so we are adding value to the world and to the lives of those we are in touch with in a more meaningful way anyway.
Secondly, I LOVE the idea of doing life experiments! I mean I suppose I have done them at random times throughout life but never thought to do it intentionally. I’ve been feeling recently that I want to do more for myself next year, more to make sure I am ok, and the end of the year usually has us all thinking about ‘resolutions’ or ‘goals’. Neither of which appeal as I am generally a bit lost when it comes to goals and plans, and resolutions, well they last about ten minutes before I get bored. But experiments… that’s something I could get into! So perhaps for next year I will try some experiments. And simply doing some experiments can be my theme for 2025.
Also love that you sit down with a notebook every week. I am a huge fan of writing everything in my mind on paper. And whenever I sit down to think about what on earth I am doing and why, my first thought is always ‘I want to help people make themselves feel better through writing or being creative’ so your words struck a chord. Very glad the algorithm sent me to you today and THANK YOU for sharing all these wonderful things 😊❤
Thank you Emily. What a really lovely comment to get. I’m really glad that you enjoyed watching x
Thank you, Jane! This resonated with me. I often feel what’s the use, especially on days that I have bad fatigue. This year I am going to try and pace myself better, to not go into the making up for lost time mode whenever I feel good, to just chill more.
I think that pacing is the key thing - but also difficult to achieve without a lot of practice (& times when you accidentally overdue things and crash). J x
I recently reduced my hours at work - less of an experiment than a gamble really! I was so stressed and knew that working full time is not something I can sustain long term. I now have so much more time to be creative; I may have less money but I am valuing my free time so much more.
Thanks Rose. It sounds as though it was a worthwhile gamble. J x
Just found your videos. I’m a great believer in life experiments too. I also knit every morning before I get going! I’m a carer and a writer so it’s not glamorous and a rather solitary life. I just wanted to say thank you.
Thank you very much Laura. X
I love what knitting has brought into my life too
I love your approach to things. I also suffer with health issues but manage to have many creative outlets. During Covid I discovered UA-cam and feel like it enriched my life beyond expectations. I’ve recently discovered your channel and absolutely adore you. No need for branding etc. you’re the REAL person who creates things and shares them with her audience.
Thank you so much, what a lovely comment. I hope that you have a great weekend. J x
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Thank you for sharing your story - I found it uplifting. 😊
Thanks Gill. X
Hello I only just found you…subscribed immediately! I loved this talk, it was smashing, very real and authentic. My name is Jane too, and I have a chronic illness, 39 years now. I so appreciated everything you said today. I felt really motivated, and I wanted to thank you straight away. Loved to picture of you waking up and knitting your lovely scarf for a friend whilst your brain-fog eased gradually. I have M. E. And brain-fog figures in that too. The knitting experiment is one I’m going to start as well, what a great idea, my cat sits upon my knee in a morning as well. I’m going to watch some more of your films, thank you so much for your honesty it really reached out to me. ✨
Thank you so much. I’ve found that knitting in the mornings has been so pleasurable. X
Dear Jane, I am so delighted that I found you in my UA-cam feed today. You are exactly what I need in my Life right now with our World being crazy here in the US. Listening to you speak is calming. On this subject I think you are very wise as you are giving yourself a chance to try a new thing and if it doesn't fit in well you can decide not to continue. For myself when I try to commit to a new thing (self improvement or other) when it doesn't work out I consider myself a loser. Which now I realize after this video, that is not the case. I shall adopt your way of thinking about this. I live in Alaska where my husband and I operate a cut flower peony farm in the Summer.
I think that the way society (Clarissa Pinkola Estes calls it The Overculture which I find a helpful term) convinces us that we are to blame if we don’t find it easy do things the way that is decreed is very sneaky. Life is largely finding out what works for you. Xx
You are wonderful just the way you are, I totally resonate with you and its so lovely to find someone who works like you, genuine and intune with who you are. I am similar. When I received your parcel it was the most beautiful envelope i have ever received, very special. I felt the care. Thank you x
Thank you so much. This has made my morning! J x
What an honest, candid chat Jane I so appreciate it. The essence of who you are cannot be marketed, it’s your unique take that is empowering. Thank you I felt very seen this morning joining you for this video. I wish I was as talented as you, I love to read first thing to bring my head round. I turned 60 this year and I’m celebrating that. I’m also aware of the ‘time’ …. I bought myself a fob watch which I wind every morning whilst thanking my heart for keeping me loving and living. It’s become a beloved practice. Thank you again.
I love that idea of the watch Treeza - what a wonderful way to start the day. J x
I love your idea of a fob watch. Reminds me of when I was a young girl winding the grandfather clock every Sunday afternoon.
What a fabulous idea with the fob watch! So many of us ditched our watches for phones, I think I will pinch this idea and start to be more grateful for time, thank you ❤
I also start my day with at least 30mins of knitting 🧶 I try to take in the outside air or light for a brief moment. I highly recommend the penny gloves by petite knit to go nicely with your scarf. 😊
Thank you Kim and thank you for the gloves recommendation x
Thank you, Jane, for another enjoyable video! I always find your experiences/views/suggestions really useful and grounding. My experiment is to do at the very least a little bit of sewing and at the very least a little bit of reading everyday no matter what. It’s working well for me thus far.
Thank you Catherine. It’s amazing how all those little bits mount up isn’t it? J x
How brainwashed we all became to measure our unique human lives in market terms: how much, for how much, how much more, how to scale etc.! There is fundamental difference between what human life is and what can be bought, sold or even measured. This is my first acquaintance with your channel. Subscribed. I feel understood, warmed up, less alone.
Thank you. And thank you for subscribing. J x
I journal every morning, sew something small every day, work in my sketchbook every day. I would love to start walking everyday. Perhaps that's what I can aim for
Haha, sitting here knitting a Sophie scarf in the early morning and watching your video! In fact I have two in different places that I can pick up to quiet my mind.
Journalling is a big one for me but usually before I go to bed to get all the thoughts (good or bad) of the day out of my head before bed. I do like the idea of taking a prompt to a cafe though!
They are lovely things to knit as you can really get into a rhythm - though I have begun a different, slightly improvised neckerchief today which is a lot more demanding of time so may well not work at all as a morning knit!
I think all of us here would agree when I say that I love your channel just as it is! It's NOT in my face, snappy, full of hype... strategies... that's part of why I enjoy it! Also, you have such a warm, relaxing presence, no pressure... very nice. I'm on the brink of retirement, also have an Autoimmune condition ... with some brain fog..I'll try to just keep the job I have, but reduced to 2 days. I hope to enjoy relearning some of the crafts I enjoyed many years ago, slowing downn more.. all this to say, there is no need, in my humble opinion, for you to ever feel you're not doing all those other things. We all quite enjoy you as you are.
Thank you so much Madeline. X
Lovely to have your video catch my attention this weekend. Your gentle spirit drew me in. I am traveling with my husband this weekend and have a couple of hours alone in the hotel room this morning. I looked forward to beginning to muse about the past year and the coming year. Your content is perfect fodder for me. Know your efforts are life-enriching for others. Sending you peace and wholeness 💛
Thank you so much Kathy x
I just came across your lovely videos by chance; coincidentally, while I’m sitting here in the very early morning knitting a plain sweater sleeve.
I like the idea of trying things: I was born and raised in Glasgow, and trying things *just* to see if I might enjoy them wasn’t part of my psyche - everything had to have a goal, a purpose, be functional - but for the last few years learned life doesn’t have to be that way all the time and I can just try something new and if it’s not my cup of tea just discard it and try something else but I still struggle with it and for quite a while I have lost my ‘what if I…?’
I’m probably not putting this well but you have really have been thought provoking, and I’m not used to that first thing in the morning 😊
Time to feed dogs, thank you again for your work.
Thanks Linda - I’m very glad that you came across me by chance. I think that the productivity drive in Scots is very high, and possibly not always that useful! J x
@ Agreed. When I got up this morning in the dark I was thinking of my need to learn something new. I’ve been mulling it over for a while and have decided I want to learn to speak French, then I crushed the idea by telling myself I won’t stick with it, it’s dumb because I have no one to practice with, etc, but after listening to you I’ve decided I’m trying it for month - this isn’t life or death- I don’t always have to have a physical end product to everything I try, and I have a studio bursting with stuff when I do need something tangible. Onward and Upward!
I found your channel by chance a month or so ago and just wanted to say how much it resonates with me as a creative. What I love most is that you show a much more realistic view of what a creative life should be. Especially for folks who have chronic illnesses, or in my case, as someone of a certain vintage who has come to the same realizations of life as you and is seeking other kindred creative spirits. Thank you from the west coast of Canada.
Thanks Diana. I’m very glad you found d the channel. J x
I also have a chronic illness or two 🙂 Lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome and the accompanying hangers on and I love to watch your videos. You are always so positive and you manage to get sooooo much done! When I am sat on the settee thinking I am to tired to move I will be thinking of you striding out on your treadmill and try and get myself into gear. I have decided to start using my husbands strider, just start for a short time and build it up gradually. xxx
I think that the benefit of the treadmill is that I can do very short distances- ten minutes - and then stop if I need to without being far from home 😂
Great ways to find positives in life, whatever gets thrown at you. Thanks for the generosity of sharing your ups and downs, we can all relate in some way.
Thanks Anita. X
The idea of life experiences is so inspiring!
Thank you. I’m glad that you enjoyed watching. X
Thank you for letting us know how you experiment in your life as you adapt to your illness. I, too, have a chronic illness and have discovered that starting slow allows for more energy a few hours down the line. Thank you! And you NEVER ramble!!
Aw thank you Linda x
Interesting podcast as always. You're definitely unique in what you do and that's what makes you stand out from the crowd and what resonates so much with others. Also, you're able to cover diverse subjects as you follow your own interests, which I really enjoy watching. Always thought-provoking. x
Thank you so much. J x
Isn't it a weird program we all seem to have that we are always comparing ourselves to others and have to always "keep up with jones" as we say here in America. We all just need to accept ourselves & do us. I'm actually more drawn now to people like yourself because you are REAL. Thank you for bringing this up as I'm sure this will help many or in my case a good reminder that I'm where I am atm & it's ok.
Thank you. I think that one of the wonderful things about UA-cam is that it allows us to see other people’s lives away from a lot of the ‘keeping up appearances’ because real relationships are built up. J x
Wonderful snow scenes at the end, especially fun watching your dog enjoying the snow.
They absolutely love it - Dixie especially!
You are very inspirational Jane, I prefer watching people I can relate to and who honestly open up and tell us how they are doing physically, mentally, I am struggling with awful Tinnitus related to muscular tension and it really makes me sad, I can't read or focus like I used to do, so watching you with my AirPods in helps me get on with my day, I struggle every day to know what to do, I love art and drawing etc but since Tinnitus struck I find it hard to focus on simple things, like writing cards, I try and go for a walk every day, I have a treadmill for when I'm having a bad emotional day or when the weather is awful. Please keep doing what you do, it resonates with such a lot of us and I think you are just wonderful ❤
Ah thank you. My husband has begun to suffer with tinnitus so I know how bad it is and really feel for you. J x
@ thank you...i have found Julian Cowan Hill very helpful re the Tinnitus, he is on You Tube, he has an app 'Quieten' free months trial and zoom sessions (really helpful) also a website, he has a positive approach to how to lessen Tinnitus, he had it for a very long time and now doesn't, i recommend him for your husband, Tinnitus is a symptom - i hope your husband can find relief 👍
Thank you for this, it's really great you show your life like this....fellow long-term chronic illness sufferer here, also an artist. What you say about ' not feeling as good' as the 'out there' artists completely resonated with me.
It’s a tough thing to get over I think Maureen - but something we absolutely need to step around and just keep to our path! Have a great weekend. J x
@@snapdragonlife you're so right. Creativity is like breathing. Enjoy your weekend too, Jane. A wee bit warmer, but the garden is looking very soggy here in Alloa x
Subscribed the instant you talked about feeling like giving up when you see other people with more energy/money run their art businesses. I’m with you. I’m in. I feel the same. Let’s keep going ❤
Love this! Would love to join. On super tight social security budget, so not able at this time. Will definitely keep following your channel. Thank you for your content. Just found you!
Hi Melody. You might want to check out the supported places (which are currently from £1 a month - though this will go up slightly next month for new members). www.snapdragonlife.com/content/what-is-the-studio-club.
I love your life experiments idea. I think goal-set in accordance with the moon cycle and zodiac signs sounds so interesting and motivating. I am going to take that suggestion for 2025. My experiment is to get a handle on my sugar-eating madness which is causing so much pain in my joints and inflammation in my body. So, I am very happy to use your monthly system to help support me getting myself weaned off of my sugar fixation. Thank you for just being yourself. Comparing yourself to someone else would deprive us of wonderful YOU! Just "do you" as you are. Authenticity is a beautiful thing!
Do you know the Glucose Goddess on Instagram? She has a lot of really good simple suggestions for reducing sugar cravings - personally I now have a small tub of pistachio nuts and small bits of very dark chocolate (82% cocoa) that I eat when I would have eaten something sugary. J x
I too love to knit in the morning, it feels like a real treat!
But it shouldn’t as it is very calming and I feel it gets the creative juices flowing 😊
Now it is summer here I get out of bed in the morning and swim and exercise in our pool. I then wonder around my garden in my towel rehearing my dahlias😂 It sets me up for the day❤
That all sounds amazing Sue x
Hi Jane, I enjoy your weekly chats, I have CFS so understand where you are coming from. I am finding Yoga Nidra very restorative, even 10minutes in the afternoon… you tube Ally Boothroyd is amazing.
PS loved the button collection the other week took me back to my grandmas cupboard of treasures 🙏
Thanks Kate. I think that Yoga Nidra and what I do are probably very similar in how the mind and body react to I shall check out those videos. X
I camp upon your channel and was interested in your "creating experiments" in your life to improve your wellbeing. I tried it this past week with the plan of taking my crochet project to a little cafe I enjoy going to with friends. It ended up being a trip out with my daughter, who I never get to spend enough time with and it was a wonderful day. I love this idea and will each week be very purposeful about doing experiments to improve my wellbeing. Thank you for the idea!
Thank you so much for sharing this Lisa. It made my afternoon! J x
I suffered with Achilles tendon pain for a year before seeing a doctor. I have found the physical therapy he prescribed to be very helpful. I hope you reach your beach walking goal!
It’s a long slow thing isn’t it?! Thank you x
Thank you for making this video on one of your not so good days Jane ❤ very brave and your piece to camera in your studio was very inspiring! One of my experiments was to get into daylight with my tea in the porch as soon as it's light. And before I go into get the pooch. It's been a great success. My mind is very alert first thing and since August I have been on a reading plan of Seneca’s letters and Marcus Aurelius Meditations. And the new translations are very accessible and the letters are short so 1 a day is totally doable. Stetches for seniors by Leigha Butler are 8 mins of yoga stretches - so easy and therefore easily remembered over time without having to watch her video. She's on UA-cam. Knitting I do in the evening because I usually knit simple things and I have been Knitting for decades 😅 so it's relaxing. I have set up a standing desk with the intention of not sitting too much in winter and I have a treadmill - neither used very much to be honest! But putting them together - now that's a brilliant idea and I shall sort that out this weekend! Great idea thank you. Big love from the east of Scotland ❤
Thanks Margaret. What a great idea to treat Seneca as a daily read. J x
Thank you for sharing your experiments, it reminded me of something I read a while ago that I forgot, I love the permission of trying it for a moon and seeing if it sticks or not, I really think that approach will suit me. I used to watch a channel on here that was an artist and had a team and a huge studio and eventually watching her made me feel bad about myself, in the way that I can never get it together enough to grow in that way, but actually upon reflection, I don’t want to, I like it being me, I like that it’s slow business with a personalised touch. I haven’t heard anyone else talk about this before, so thanks for sharing. I wonder if it is because we are so connected to nature?
I work so much better on my own - if I have a team I’m always trying to make everyone happy which is silly and exhausting and often does the opposite!
I do feel that UA-cam- with the opportunity for conversation and nuance - gives a place to show lots of very different ways of doing things. X
Hello Jane..love it that you do this on a not so good day.. i think this is very brave..yes i am so glad i found you last year ..always so calming and fun..inspiring and so nice to hear you talk.
Hope you feel better soon. ❤
Thank you so much! J x
Lovely video, as always. Thank you! I don’t have anything to contribute; my life is pretty uniform and boring.
Thank you and I’m sure it isn’t really. 😘
Mornings are for chores around house, garden and farm. Then, I'm trying to embroider every afternoon when I'm home which is my happy place during winter months. It also helps me to not physically overdo which helps me sleep better at night. Thank you for sharing Jane! 🙏❤
Thank you for watching and leaving a lovely comment Meryl x
Thanks for this Jane. Real 'food for thought'. I too try and knit in the morning, usually with my second cuppa. What I try and do when I first wake, is to tackle the Guardian quick crossword. Although I do it online, it does aid me in avoiding scrolling on my phone. I like the idea of 'life experiments'. I suppose both the knitting and crosswords are life experiments for me, that seem to be working. Best wishes. ❤😊❤ 😊♥️
Thank you - I think it’s really experimenting to see what works and then leaning into that, but not being worried about trying things that simply don’t make the cut. J x
I have recently retired after over 40 years working and it has given me a wonderful opportunity to really discover who I am and what I want to do with my life. I do not have any grandchildren that fill my time so I’ve been able to do something I’ve always long to do and that is to do art, I recently made a bedroom into my art room/library and it has become my refuge. My happy place. This is where I give myself permission to create. I also take several art classes, water, coloring, and art journaling, as well as doing some Bible studies with friends of mine I’m loving what I’m doing now, I get to discover who Grace is and I defined who that is not my work not my coworkers not my boss not anyone just me I get to discover me and I’m in my late 60s
Thank you for such a lovely comment Grace. X
You are delightful! Please continue sharing exactly as you are! I’ve just found your channel and enjoy what you do! - Sandy in Florida
Thanks so much Sandy. Have a lovely weekend J x
Loved your video. Just keep doing the things you do your way. Your health is the most important thing (in my opinion!) and you should look after yourself and not try to compare your business to other ones. You reach out to so many people, you’re always bright and cheery so just look after yourself.
I think life is a learning game and I am still learning in my 70s 10 but it’s always good to try to make things better for ourselves. What I am trying to do is to get to bed at a reasonable time to get a full 8 hours sleep. I feel better when I have had a good night’s sleep but can get distracted in the evening by looking at my phone, I pad and tv. I am definitely trying to get out of that habit. Wonder if I could try hard and get out of my bad habit with the next moon cycle?Sorry for rambling on 😂😂. Take care.
Thank you Catherine - not a ramble at all. Very wise. Have a lovely weekend. J x
I’m in awe of how much you achieve! I can be organised but under stress it falls apart and I have to really manage my motivation ( I suspect it’s a mild form of attention deficit disorder) so my experiment has been to manage my space in a way that helps. I try and build up habits that help and next year I’m planning my art business. Right now I’m moving house and can’t tell you how many times I’ve lost the tape and scissors!
I find that without my morning ‘routine’ I struggle to get going. For example today I’m going for a Reiki session with Carrie at Tir-na-nOg so I thought I would skip my home done one - and here I am still in bed 😂😂😂 and on my phone 😂😂😂good luck with the house move. J x
This was just what I needed to hear right now. I have CFS. November and December are tough months for me in terms of energy and anxiety. And, unfortunately, reflection on my progress and achievements. I needed to hear that other people also have these 'wobbles'. I am going to try to get myself to a cafe every so often, I think. I appreciate your reflections and adaptions on your morning routine because they give me ideas to try for myself. I find your creativity and musings really supportive and reflective of my own circumstances and I do not get that from anyone or anywhere else. You make a positive difference. Keep going. And Thank You. Also - love the bird broach you are wearing and the red scarf looks great.
Thank you so much Kathryn. The bird brooch was one I bought from a Palestinian fair trade shop in Edinburgh a year ago. It isn’t meant to be worn everyday really, so has been glued back together a lot of times and has been through the wash twice, but is still there as hope for peace. J x
Beautiful, Jane. Thank you! I love your idea about sitting in a cafe with a prompt - wondering if you use any in particular?
I just make them up in advance. At the moment - probably because of the state of the world - they tend to be about how I can make a difference to people. X
I am so much more tired now at 55 than ever before. I also have terrible anxiety that I am working on trying to manage. So I understand the shift and change of doing things differently now than when I was younger. I can handle the tired, but the anxiety can shut everything down for me. I am a baker and do shows and anxiety can make it difficult. Somehow I need to get back to how I used to be since anxiety really is not a symptom of aging. But my brain needs to chill in other words lol
I can well imagine how attending shows will trigger anxiety. I think that many people find that they are becoming much more anxious over the past few years - which may well be a realistic response to the world! Have a lovely weekend. J x
@@snapdragonlife thanks Jane. You have a lovely weekend too.
This was so refreshing, thank you. My husband is very sick atm & I just can’t keep up with a lot of the others in my sphere either any more, it’s exhausting.
I just try to do what I can, when I can. I must say I am finding the UA-cam videos are hard work with the editing etc during this time. take care, Jane.
I’m sorry to hear about your husband. Sending love to you both. J c
@ ❤️ thank you
Thank you so much Jane, for another beautiful film. Your calm and peacefulness radiate from you. I love your films and Friday letters. They are always a joy. I have M.E & fibromyalgia, so your life experiments really resonate with me. I’ve found that a peaceful, slow start to the day is essential. Also, light in a morning, whether sunlight in the summer or a light box in the winter. Any creativity or even life admin needs to happen then, with rest or sleep in the afternoon. It’s a simple routine, and took a surprisingly long time to discover! Also, getting into the garden, just sitting with a coffee on days I am more unwell or pottering around if I am able. My life has slowed, but it has become more intentional. I hope you have a really lovely, relaxing weekend.
Thanks Kathryn - I also find that the increase in intentionality and attention go a great way to make up for the lack of speed! J x
@@snapdragonlife Definitely! ❤️
I think everyone loves you as you are Jane reading the previous comments! And remember you have been travelling with your previous flower business & built a business up & had employees - so that has been achieved. You are now creating a different kind of business to a smaller but very appreciative audience & in a more innovative way than the norm. Well done to you! 😊
Thanks Lisa. X
There are lots of Channels out there. I prefer the ones that are more true to themselves and are doing what they truly enjoy in their daily life. eg. such as yourself.
I do follow some that have the finances to keep buying things (updating decor or buying lots of plants for their gardens) to make their channel interesting. These are fun to watch as an escape from everyday life, and to relax wile having a cuppa.
If I am tired in the evenings I am more likely to want to watch a relaxing video rather than one that would make me feel I should be cooking, cleaning or to rush outside to start gardening. My day is done by then 😂
I follow lots of channels of different variety but keep going back to my favourites.
The kits you have made up that are limited are really special. You can't buy something like that. They are put together with a collectors eye and with love.
Thank you. You are right, there is room for all kinds of people producing all kinds of things. X
I find that there really are seasons or phases of life and for me, winter is about resting, searching my experience of the year to date, thinking about what I want out of the next year. Creating artistic reactions isn’t making widgets. Quality over quantity, being happy each day, loving your plants and tea and husband and family- that’s what make a good life.
Take heart and take care! ❤❤❤❤ from the US
Thank you Paula. Waving from across the pond. X
@@snapdragonlife I’m starting my days knitting too- it’s a serving a grace for my brain and body- just started this new habit! Thanks for the reinforcement that it works.
Love the “Gap” awareness in your journaling. Please don’t compare your channel and art life to the high performance artists . I think you are authentic and are doing it in the proper way and your genuine conversations are very interesting. You are your own Brand Manager, you’re not being sponsored /selling , which makes me turn off the channels that are doing that now. I start my mornings with coffee in my quiet room and making a gratitude list. Sometimes they feel unoriginal and the same content. I just started asking myself before I journal, what would I horribly miss if it were suddenly gone. Boy, no pause there!! I’d miss coffee, that’s for sure.
Thank you. I think that there are lots of us would miss coffee! I really appreciated your comment. J x
It's so important to be true to yourself. Audience or not. I'm learning ❤
Thank you Alison. Very true.
Just found you yesterday, and like the to hear you talk about both creativity and dealing with chronic illness bc it’s my struggle. It’s nice to know what others are doing, and I’m going to change my morning routine bc it’s not working for me. I’m getting too stuck in my head and not moving to DOING. And that’s my challenge right now. Too much thinking, not enough doing. I need to change my morning activities so I don’t have to make an effort to stop thinking and start doing. I need to not start my day with thinking! Hmm…
Good luck with it all Karla. J x
Please do not try to do as others do!, You are providing us all with something unique. No one else can do what you do. You are fulfilling your purpose. Just do the lovely you. All best wishes.
Thanks so much Jennifer x
Lovely to listen to how you experiment with life. Food for thought. Have just retired after 40 plus years of nursing, will be tackling new adventures in 2025.
Thanks Helen x
I read that it is the tiny changes to a routine that have the most impact on your life. I did start to practise yoga and meditate regularly and I felt so much better but then I let it slide because I was busy. I am now starting again, as I know they were the last things I should have stopped. I enjoy watching your films as they provide an honest insight in to your life. Life isn't perfect and trying to give the impression that it is. I feel. creates too much stress. Plus, I always think that everyone has a cupboard of doom which they fear opening in case everything falls out (or perhaps that's just me!)
Thank you Elizabeth. You are so right, things like meditation are often the things that we let go of at exactly the times we shouldn’t. J x
Hi, I'm 48 and have a chronic illness that I've been really struggling with. I was a nurse in a big high stress operating theatre. I've long since left because of illness but I'm often comparing myself pre and post illness. My logical mind knows the futility of this but it just pops back and catches me unawares. I think your life experiment idea might help and I thank you for that. Cup half full, now there's time to create. I like your idea of knitting when your energy is low rather than scrolling. Thank you from Australia
I have had twenty years to get used to it I think Michelle - and to be able to see how great life is, even though I had to give up on my initial dreams. Happy knitting, J x
For me I will be retiring in 2025 so I've been trying a few morning routines when I'm off on vacation. It was interesting to here about the journaling as I tell people to write past when you think you know the answer. Push yourself and that is when the magic can happen
It really is - and that is why I think it never really worked for me in the past. X
Fantastic. You are so right in selling that what people get is you. That’s the greatest selling point ever! And you didn’t pay an ad agency!
Thank you Alexandra x
I think what draws a lot of us to an entrepreneurial life is that we can do our work our way. Yes I have done several experiments in my life. Two things I will mention here. Like you, but for different reasons, I become active slowly in the morning. I also find knitting is one of the things that I can do with that morning drink. I do it for exactly the same reasons, Another experiment I do is to follow that with an active period. This I set up using my pedometer. It it is the time devoted to what ever is on my list but which is active, in the house or on my property. This I do to get my mind going and my body - because otherwise I get stiff or trigger some of my aches and pains - ie backache, etc. Within this parameter, the items I do will vary depend on what needs to be done. I also do quite a lot of writing and have found mid afternoon the best time when my writing flows well. So I choose to do it then. This is of course on the days when I do not have engagements that require me to go out or meet somebody, etc.
Thank you Sunita. That is really interesting x
I find your videos very relaxing and inspirational thank you Jane.
I don’t have a beautiful studio like yours but I like that notice board behind you on the wall. Can you tell me where I can find one?
Thank you Claire. The noticeboard is simply the biggest cheap cork board I could find which I then painted the same colour as the wall. X
Wow! Very enlightning this çoncept of "life experiments"...very proud of you Jane for everything you've accomplished. I honestly have just realized that I prefer things from a person that are small and personalized, as to something managed by a big company. My experiment this year was to learn to do slowstitching and how to knit socks😅 both have been wonderfully incorporated into my life, and for next year I would like to learn slow journalling 😊 thanks for letting us in to your life, and I hope you are feeling more energetic, take care ❤
Thanks Cris. I have making socks on my list for Christmas/New year when there is a lot of moving about and quite a lot of downtime! J x
Quite often the 'wow' looking businesses have a lot of debt, the stress must be really high. I run a small tutoring business which took about 5 years to be a healthy payback business. After covid I lived on what I made (there was no way I was going into schools to work) very frugally but I did it. I have no debt or rent to pay as I work at my property and my students now come from word of mouth. I have worked hard but teaching is my passion. What I am trying to say is if you enjoy your work and you have steady clients just enjoy the simple journey. I've also realised I can't do everything that I want to do at one time so have cut down my expectations of myself. It's working, I feel in control instead of spiralling under too many self directed expectations. Take care =-)
Yes - I used to have a much bigger business with a big turnover and know that what you see is often not the reality after expenses. I once had breakfast with a really high profile businesswoman who admitted that her long established business had never made a profit. X
It’s always lovely tuning in to your videos Jane and coming away feeling like I’ve had a nice chat with a friend. I too have a chronic illness which requires a slow start to the day and pacing myself. Not everyone understands how this can impact on one’s life and overall well-being. Thank you for chatting to us on a day when you didn’t feel your best. I only wish I had some talent for knitting or crafts and could participate in your courses! I’ve recommended you to friends who have those talents. I hope you have a good week and look forward to your next video. 😊 ps: do you follow Common Farm flowers?
Thank you. Georgie at Common Farm is a friend - it was her indeed who suggested that I should start this UA-cam channel.
We do have lots of beginners do the courses - especially via The Studio Club which is a lot of chatting as well as crafting! J x
Thank you for those beautiful thoughts. I never scaled up my two businesses (first as a graphic designer then as a teaching and writing clinical aromatherapist). Might be bad for some, but staying small and content was always precious to me - as long as I can pay my few expenses and afford organic food. - The Bossa nova combined with the snow were so funny (in my old home place in Brazil it's super hot by now, the summer holidays start soon).
The Bossa nova is a little bit of an in joke - I love Bossa nova, the rest of my family is less impressed, so it is the music that is often playing while I’m in The Studio and therefore I decided to bring it into the videos (which family don’t watch)
I am trying a few new things over the next year, some a return to old ways I have profoundly enjoyed, such as open fires and wood smoke. spending more time in a beautiful place amongst the wildlife of rural somerset. Colour, flowers fabrics historical outfits, natural dyes, all these things make my heart sing, I intend to much more of them
Always so important to help our hearts to sing x
Thank you for being so inspiring.
Thank you for watching x
Hi can you put a link or tell me the name of your paver boots please as I also have osteoarthritis in both knees and would love to try them. TIA
Thank you for this helpfull episode🌸 This year I have started using castor oil to detox my body. You can find a lot of information on UA-cam. I use a coldpressed oil, and put some drops in my navel and the oil will go inside to the parts that need it. Some people prefer using at bed time because the oil makes them relaxed. Others can go into prosesses that will keep them awake. I think it is important to find out what the body is trying to te tell us. The oil can also be used directly to the problem area.
No apologies - brain fog comes with traveling down the path of life.
Very true. X