Motivation

When No One Notices

I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on the strange pressures of living a creative life online.

In the weaving world, there’s so much inspiration to be gleaned – endless projects, beautiful photos, clever ideas. It’s wonderful, but it can also creep up on you in ways you don’t expect. Sometimes it feels like there’s an unspoken rule: keep producing, keep sharing, keep impressing. You need to do something new! If you don’t? You fall behind and get forgotten.

Of course, no one says this out loud. But that’s how it can feel.

I’ve found myself getting stuck in this mindset more than I’d like to admit. I catch myself thinking:

“I need to have something new to show. Something exciting, something impressive. Otherwise, why would anyone pay attention?”

And when I do share something I’ve made that I was excited about and it lands quietly, with hardly a comment or a like… it gets under my skin more than I want it to. I start questioning the work itself:

“Was it not good enough? Was it boring? Did I waste my time? Have I lost my creative spark?”

Even worse than that, my original thoughts and excitement about the piece change. Because, if no one likes it, if it’s not popular it’s less valid, right? 🤔

It’s not just about weaving, either.

I’ve noticed this happening in other parts of my life too, most recently with my health. This year I’ve been working consistently on some major changes. Eating better, moving more, taking care of myself, prioritising my health and getting stronger.

I’ve lost some weight, I feel stronger and healthier, but – hardly anyone has said a word. No “You’re looking great!” or “You seem really well!” Not even from people close to me. Literally the only person to have notice the changes is my husband.

And honestly? It’s made me question whether the effort is even worth it.

It shouldn’t be that way. I know it shouldn’t. We’re supposed to be motivated by our own progress, our own joy in the process. I am proud of the changes I’ve made, both in my weaving and in my health. But I’ve realised how easy it is to get tangled up in needing recognition to feel like something counts.

When something goes unnoticed, it’s tempting to think it wasn’t valuable. It can be so hard to keep going, keep striving for improvement when you feel alone in it.

But that’s not true.

Some of the most meaningful work we do – in creativity, in health and in life happens quietly, without applause.
The growth, the learning, the persistence, the small daily choices still matter. Even when no one notices.

I’m sharing this because I suspect I’m not alone in feeling this way. If you’ve ever poured time into a weaving project and wondered why it didn’t get more attention. If you’ve ever made positive changes and felt deflated when no one cheered you on – please know this:

It’s normal to want encouragement. But it’s also possible to keep going without it.

It could be helpful to examine your own sources of motivation and purpose. I’ll use weaving and health as some examples in my own case:

MOTIVATION 1 – WEAVING

My desire to weave began with a fascination but there are other factors that have made me remain a weaver rather than giving up.

I feel called to spread beauty throughout the world.
Using my hands to create brings me joy and stillness
I love to help others
Weaving feels very special and unique to me
I love giving handmade gifts

MOTIVATION 2 – HEALTH JOURNEY

I love to feel as physically well as I possibly can
Being overweight is unpleasant and slows me down
I don’t want my auto immune disease to dominate my life
As I age I want to gain strength and be capable
I like my clothes to feel comfortable and I want to feel good in my own body
Being healthy and exercising is great for my mental health

For me, this is a lesson in finding deeper motivation. Not the quick hit of approval, but the steady satisfaction of knowing I’m moving in the right direction for me. That’s what really matters.

Weaving has always taught me patience. It’s teaching me this lesson too.

Thanks for reading. I hope this article resonates with you and helps you to think through your own perceptions in a positive way.

So, tell me. Have you ever felt this way? Perhaps, like me, it’s something that you struggle with frequently? Drop me a comment down below to share your experience ⬇️

Until next time…

Happy Weaving!

Support my work 😊

Animal-Based Diet Results: My 8-Week Health & Weight Loss Journey

by Kelly 3 Comments

8 Weeks on an Animal-Based Diet: My Health Reset Journey

Today, I’m finally sitting down to share my 8-week update on my health reset—what I’ve been doing, how I’ve been feeling, and the incredible changes I’ve seen. I kept putting this off, wanting to organize everything perfectly, but at some point, I just had to sit down and do it. So here I am, showing up!

A Size 12 Moment

Let’s start with some exciting news—I’m wearing a size 12 dress! Now, I know clothing sizes vary depending on where you are, but for reference, I’ve been between a size 14 and 18 for a while now. Seeing that shift has been such a rewarding moment, and honestly, it’s just the beginning of what this journey has done for me.

Why I Started This Health Reset

A few months ago, I reached a breaking point. I was completely fed up—fed up with feeling sluggish, fed up with the cycle of dieting and gaining the weight back, and fed up with ignoring what my body was trying to tell me. I also have an autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s) and have landed (or been hurled into!) peri menopause. I was struggling so much and I knew something had to change.

One of my biggest struggles was constant hunger. I’ve been a classic yo-yo dieter, losing weight through extreme calorie restriction and then inevitably gaining it back. The hunger would always catch up with me. But this time, I knew I couldn’t do that to myself anymore. I needed something sustainable, something that made me feel good, not deprived.

The Two Biggest Changes I Made

I took a big leap and made two major changes at once:

More Movement
An Animal-Based Diet (my version of it!)

For some, changing everything at once might feel overwhelming, but for me, it worked. Let’s break it down.

1. Movement: Finding Strength I Didn’t Know I Had

I’ve always enjoyed walking, especially being out in nature, but I wasn’t consistent. Weather, busyness, or just not prioritizing it would get in the way. So, I made a commitment to move every day—whether that meant a walk outside, mowing the lawn or an indoor workout.

I started with 10-minute beginner workouts, five days a week, following my 10 minute rule. That first week was tough—my fitness level wasn’t where I wanted it to be. But something amazing happened: by the second week, I looked forward to my workouts! I even found myself planning ahead, excited about what I’d do the next day.

Over time, I gradually increased my workouts from 10 minutes to 15 to 20 – 30 minutes. Yes, I hit some muscle fatigue along the way (it felt like wading through mud at times), but I adjusted, found balance, and kept going. And today’s workout? I modified up for the first time! I made the movements harder instead of modifying them down. That felt like a huge victory!

2. The Animal-Based Diet: More Energy, Less Hunger, and a Total Reset

Now, let’s talk about food. I’m not on a diet—this is not a diet. I’ve ditched the diet mindset entirely. In fact, before I started this reset, I was so desperate I almost bought meal replacement shakes! (So glad I didn’t 🤢)

I eat real, whole foods—mostly animal-based. Here’s a glimpse of what my diet looks like:

✅ Lots of protein from meat, eggs, and some dairy like full fat greek yoghurt
✅ Some fruit & vegetables
✅ A little raw honey
✅ Minimal to no processed foods
✅ Dark chocolate (yes, still a must-have!)

Something incredible has happened—my body has reset. I used to crave sweets all the time, but now, things that once tempted me seem too sweet. Most of the time I don’t feel deprived. Instead of feeling like I “can’t” have something, I just don’t want it. It’s my choice to do what I know is best for my body. That mindset shift has been everything.

What’s Next?

This journey is still unfolding, but I can already say it’s been life-changing. I feel stronger, I have more energy, and most importantly, I feel free from the cycle of hunger and restriction. I’m excited to see what the next few months bring!

If you’re thinking about making changes for your health, my advice? Find what works for you. Whether it’s small steps or a big reset like I did, just start. Your body will thank you!

Have you ever tried an animal-based diet? Or something different that is working for you? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks for visiting, I’ll see you soon 😉

Kelly

The 10-Minute Rule: A Simple Trick to Boost Creativity, Productivity & Beat Procrastination

by Kelly Leave a Comment

Today, I want to share a simple yet powerful trick that has helped me stay productive and creative, even on those days when I just don’t feel like doing anything. I call it the 10-Minute Rule—and trust me, it’s a game-changer!

The Inspiration Behind the 10-Minute Rule

Spring is in full swing here in Australia, bringing the urge for spring cleaning, organizing, and tackling all those little tasks we’ve been putting off. I had a busy day ahead with two appointments—one over the phone and another in person (which, let’s be honest, I don’t love having to leave the house for!). But before heading out, I had a short window of time in my studio, and that’s when I realized just how much I rely on my 10-minute rule.

So, what is the 10 minute rule?

It’s not really a strict “rule” but more of a simple productivity hack. It’s about breaking tasks into manageable, bite-sized chunks that feel achievable—even when you’re low on time, motivation, or energy (and if you are, I hear ya!)

How the 10-Minute Rule Works

The concept is simple: dedicate just 10 minutes to a task and see what happens. There are two main scenarios where I find this rule helpful:

When I have limited time – If I only have an hour between appointments or other commitments, I can still accomplish something meaningful in a short burst of focused time.
When I don’t feel like doing anything – On days when I’m feeling unwell, uninspired, or just plain unmotivated, committing to just 10 minutes often gets me started—and sometimes, that’s all I need to keep going.

A Real-Life Example: How It Helped Me Get Creative Again

Yesterday, I wasn’t feeling great. I’ve been dealing with some ongoing health issues and a lingering cold, which left me feeling drained. I had convinced myself to take the day off from my creative projects, but when I stepped into my studio to grab something, I saw my quilt project sitting on the table.

At that moment, I had two choices: walk away or commit to just 10 minutes of sewing. I chose the latter. I told myself, “I’ll just sew a couple of blocks together and see how I feel.” And guess what? Once I started, I felt inspired and ended up working on the quilt for an hour! That’s the magic of the 10-minute rule—it lowers the mental barrier to getting started, and once you’re in the flow, you might just surprise yourself.

The 10-Minute Rule in Action

You can apply this rule to just about anything:

Creative projects – Weaving, quilting, painting, knitting—whatever it is, just commit to 10 minutes.
Household chores – Cleaning an entire room might feel overwhelming, but tidying for 10 minutes? Totally doable!
Work and organization – If you’re procrastinating on emails, paperwork, or planning, set a timer for 10 minutes and make a start.

Why It Works

It reduces overwhelm – Instead of dreading a big task, you’re just committing to a small, manageable portion.
It builds momentum – Often, the hardest part is getting started. Once you begin, you’ll likely want to keep going.
It creates a sense of accomplishment – Even if you only spend 10 minutes, you’ve still made progress!
It helps you manage time better – You can get a surprising amount done in short, focused bursts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 10-minute rule really work?
Yes! It’s a proven method for overcoming procrastination and increasing productivity. The key is that starting small reduces resistance, making it easier to begin tasks.

How can I use the 10-minute rule to be more productive?
Try applying it to tasks you tend to avoid—whether it’s creative work, housework, or admin tasks. Once you get started, you’ll often keep going beyond the initial 10 minutes!

Give It a Try!

Next time you feel stuck, uninspired, or short on time, try the 10-minute rule. Set a timer, start the task, and see where it takes you. You might find that it’s exactly what you needed to get moving—and who knows, you might even finish that project you’ve been putting off!

📌 Loved this tip? Save it to Pinterest to try later!

Have you ever tried a method like this? Let me know in the comments how the 10-minute rule works for you!

Need some further tips to help you organize your creative space? Check out this article:

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