Christie Zimmer: Journaling Without Judgment

Did you think of yourself as a creative kid? What does creativity look like for you these days?

Creativity was a huge part of my childhood. At home, there was always a collection of craft supplies at the ready for just about any project -- paper, paint, markers, yarn, felt, quilt fabric, glue, and thread. It wasn’t unusual to find a half dozen kids from our neighborhood sitting around the kitchen table hand-sewing felt animals or standing around the dining room table making collages. My mom kept a library of craft books and magazines for inspiration and encouraged my sister and me and our friends to joyfully pursue our creative ideas. In our house, every kid was creative.

These days creativity still looks a lot like it did all those years ago. I love to keep a ready stash of paints, papers, fabric and yarns close by for creative experimentation. It’s also still a family affair! I love sharing new ideas and projects with my own daughters. Creativity is woven into so much of what we do together and how we communicate and support each other’s unique approach to life – and you’ll still find us crafting in just about every room of the house. 

How much time do you get to work on creative projects?

I feel like I spend a lot of time on creative projects, mostly because I really enjoy finding the creative opportunities in everyday activities. I’ve learned over the years that new ideas and inspiration are everywhere in daily life just waiting to be discovered.

How did motherhood change your creative practice?

Motherhood definitely deepened my creative practice. Ever since my daughters were born, I’ve felt grateful to see the world through new eyes – as a caregiver and guide, but also as an observer of their experiences of the world. I feel like I have a more colorful palette to work from and it inspires me to explore new and different perspectives.

When do you feel most creative?

I feel most creative when I’m sharing thoughts and experiences with others. I love the inspiration that comes from bouncing ideas back and forth. Like motherhood, I feel like it opens previously unseen doors and paves new roads to travel together.

What helps you make time and space for being creative? How do you avoid burn out?

One thing that helps me make time for being creative is mindset -- knowing that it’s important to my well-being and making it a priority. Space is a little hard to come by in our home, so creativity happens right out in the open, with others around. I’m so grateful for that. It has helped me find the courage to share my creative experiments, even the truly disastrous ones.

I’m not sure how to avoid burn out! It involves, I think, ongoing negotiation with myself about what’s important and knowing when to say no, but also forgiving myself when I fall short and trying to learn and improve along the way.

How can we support and encourage each other more?

One thing we can do is listen generously and patiently to each other, without judgment or agenda. I think seeking to understand each other’s needs and challenges first is key to offering meaningful support and encouragement. 

If you could give everyone a small treat, what would it be?

 I would send everyone a little treat in the mail, like a handwritten letter or tiny hand-stitched notebook. It’s such fun to open the mailbox and find a lovely little something in there just for you.

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Christie is a lifelong journaler and, for more than a decade, a designer of guided journaling and reflective learning materials. She is passionate about creating delightful and surprising journal experiences that inspire journalers to transform their ideas, goals and dreams into meaningful action. She lives in Guelph, Ontario with her husband and two daughters, ages 14 and 18. Visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter here.

This interview was originally published in 2021.

Hi! I’m Heidi. Writer. Editor. Mother. I’m interviewing 100 creative mothers, because I believe the more we see other mothers making beauty and meaning in small moments, the more we will be inspired to make our own kind of art, whatever that may look like during this intense season of life. Support the project by sharing with a friend.