Monday 25 May 2015

Our Creative Life

Last week I spoke about collaboration and the warm, fuzzy feeling I get when I meet new creatives.

It's a funny thing because lately when people ask me how I've met my new friends, I've been responding with "Instagram" more than I have been responding with "At a party" or "through mutual acquaintances". To be honest though, I am totally fine with this. To be even more honest with you, I have been finding reaching out to strangers online is far more fulfilling than walking up to a stranger in a bar and saying hello.

I see it like this:

I am being more intentional about who I reach out to. Thanks to the nature of social media, I have a good idea of who I'm talking to before I actually get to speak with them face to face. I know how many children they have, what their interests are, what they are passionate about, and while this may be slightly stalker-ish and creepy, I find comfort in knowing I am reaching out to someone who actually might give a crap about who I am and what I want to say.

Secondly, there's far less fear of rejection. Making friends at a party brings about high levels of risk I am not okay with. The idea someone may publicly reject my opinions or my beliefs is a little overwhelming and not something I am ready to face right now. This may seem quite cowardly and it probably is but something about talking to people online makes me feel comfortable and safe (ironic, considering the internet is probably one of the more dangerous places in the world).

You know what, I just don't know. I can't explain it but something about this community is just so great. It might be because I don't have to pretend or make stupid small talk to people I don't like. I am intentional and I feel like I have a purpose. I talk to people who listen and people talk to me because they know I will listen to them too. We are building a community and, while it may not be fully conventional, it exists to bring people closer together and that is good enough for me.

Lately I have been collaborating with other bloggers and creatives to develop ideas and expand passions. I am now a contributor to Our Creative Life - A blog aiming to encourage craftsmen and artisans of all kinds to deepen their relationship with God and take joy in the passions that He has given us - and I couldn't be prouder. This blog is a place where young Christian creatives can come together to connect both their faith and their creativity in one place. I'm excited to see where it will go because I think it's just what I, and many others, need.  I was interviewed by OCL not too long ago, so if you're not sick of my ramblings yet, you can head over here to read what I had to say.


It's been great meeting wonderful people from the comfort of my own home but also great connecting with them in a way I couldn't even imagining doing with the friends I physically know in my life.

Isn't that so strange?

This really is our creative life. Blogging and connecting through the tangled world wide web is a life I didn't imagine for myself. It is a life that is probably judged harshly by others and I don't blame them for it. Social media is almost not social at all. There are so many factors going against social media, I often doubt whether this is the place for me, but then there are those moments when I form true friendships with strangers and I am convinced I couldn't be working anywhere else but here.

xx

p.s. Yeah, I went and changed my blog layout again. Not sure if I like it. What do you think?

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I've also been featured on The Cat, You and Us this week to celebrate their 2nd blog anniversary, and was interviewed by Hanna as part of her Everlasting Apparel series where I spoke about some of my favourite articles of clothing/accessories. Go click on the bold links and have a read ;)

7 comments:

  1. I couldn't agree more, to be honest. I've had the chance to meet so many wonderful people through instagram and other social media platforms as well... You get to meet people who are just as passionate as you are about something and share the same interest as you do, which is just amazing. It's crazy how things have changed. Also, congrats on being a contributor for Our Creative Life! Enjoyed reading your interview.

    And I like the new theme by the way! I keep changing mine as well for some reason. I think big-photos-one-column themes are best for photo/travel blogs. :)

    Laura x

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  2. This is so exciting! Congratulations on the interview :)

    I love the new theme x

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  3. I feel you!
    Some of the friends I feel that I connect with the most since I moved I met through social media.
    You are right, some people may not understand it, but I love the intentionality that comes with these friendships formed through this crazy blog world, instagram, etc. :)

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  4. love this so much. girl, I just really want to come and hang out with you someday soon.

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  5. That is so awesome, and I see what you mean! Social media is a great way to find new friends. Love your photography <3

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  6. Oh how I have missed this beautiful space of yours. I agree completely. I've never really unpacked what it is I like about making friends through blogging and on the internet but I think you're right.
    I also think it's just a more meaningful connection to make, creatives get each other. x

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