Good things take time

Before we dive in, the image for this post was taken during a Plant Dyeing workshop with Katrina Wilde of Wilde Studio.
A workshop and practice that embodies the sentiment behind this post – do go and check out her work and projects.

In an age of instant gratification and having everything exactly when we want it, to slow down and allow things to take the time they need can be a challenge. This goes for a whole range of different things, but creative practices are up there with the things that are expected to be churned out thick and fast.

Good things take time.

That is a fact. It can be true in the sense of physical time taken to execute a task or build something, or it can mean the hours and energy poured in before that point to get you to where you are in your own practice.

While there is a need for speed, and there will always be a demand for fast-paced, high-pressure rush jobs that need care and attention like yesterday, there is something joyous about leaning into the process and enjoying every second of it.

One of my favourite quotes, and I wish I knew its origin, is ‘their urgency is not your emergency’, and it is so very true. With instant messenger and endless social media apps, it is tempting to be always available and always switched on, communicating and answering at the drop of a hat, but it takes time, and it takes energy.

Now, it would be wonderful to lament over every piece and every project, and I know that it isn’t always possible, but we can indulge in the process and take stolen moments here and there to appreciate where we are at and how far we have come.

Good things take time, and if someone doesn’t appreciate that, maybe they’re not your people, and maybe that is a sign that it just isn’t aligning right now. Whatever you’re working on, give it the space to breathe and allow others the freedom to do the same.

Step back, take stock, take a breath, go again.