01: I picked up a paintbrush on holiday.
I’m not a painter. I’ve never been particularly good at drawing.
And that was kind of the point.
There was no business case for it. No content plan. Nothing I needed to turn it into.
I could just enjoy painting.
After six weeks travelling with my family, that small moment helped me admit something I’d probably known for a while.
I’d let work take up more space than I wanted it to.
I love my work, which can make the boundaries harder to notice. But I also want time with my family and room for things I do simply because I enjoy them.
Coming home, I realised I can’t keep hoping for more balance while giving work first claim on all the available space.
So I’m making some changes.
And keeping the paintbrush.
p.s. Your pause for tea this week is brought to you by Second Flush Darjeeling - discover more teas here.
© eteaket
02: “How Creative Pursuits Can Quiet the Noise of Stress”
This article in Psychology Today explores creative hobbies, attention and stress, while also making the relevant point that investing too heavily in one area of life can squeeze out others.
Read now: Psychology Today
03: Forget hustle culture
Watch Yancey Strickler’s TED talk from April 2025, “Forget hustle culture. Behold the Artist Corporation”. The Kickstarter cofounder questions hustle culture and explores alternative ways for creative people to build sustainable working lives.
Read now: TED talk
Thanks for pausing for tea with me today.
If this helped, I’d love a quick comment, a heart, or a share. It genuinely helps this post reach more people who need a calmer next step.
Erica x
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