Finding Myself Again: Reconnecting with Creativity and Joy

At some point, many of us wake up and realize we feel disconnected from the person we once knew. Life’s busyness often leaves little room for the things that once filled us with joy and purpose. We tell ourselves we’ll get back to them “one day,” but then we don’t.

For me, creativity always offered a way to feel grounded and connected to myself. Yet, like so many others, I let it fall away. The projects I loved, the hours spent making something with my hands, and the quiet joy of creation seemed to slip further out of reach as I prioritized other things. Over time, I started to feel the weight of that absence.

Rediscovering creativity brought me back to a sense of balance and joy. If you feel that pull to reconnect with yourself, I believe small steps can guide you toward that spark again. Here’s what I’ve learned on this journey:

1. Reflect on What Brought You Joy

Look back at moments when creativity played a role in your life. What activities felt exciting, meaningful, or fulfilling? Maybe you loved drawing as a kid, writing stories, or crafting with friends. Perhaps, like me, you found joy in working with your hands—turning raw materials into something beautiful.

These memories offer clues about where to start. Take a moment to jot them down or sit with those thoughts. They remind us of who we once felt like and the activities that made us feel alive.

2. Start Small

When I began reconnecting with creativity, I felt tempted to take on big projects. Instead, I found that starting small worked better. I picked up tools for just a few minutes a day, whether spinning yarn, sketching an idea, or weaving a simple pattern. I started with just giving myself ten minutes a day for creative time. A manageable amount of time that gave me a sense of accomplishment to complete.

By lowering the stakes, I allowed myself to ease back into creativity without pressure. You might find this approach helpful, too—small steps often lead to meaningful shifts.

3. Let Go of Perfectionism

When I returned to making, I noticed perfectionism creeping in. It whispered, “What if this doesn’t look good? What if it doesn’t feel worth the time?” I learned to ignore those doubts. Creativity thrives when we approach it without judgment.

Give yourself permission to create imperfectly. The act of making something holds the power to bring joy, even if it doesn’t turn out exactly as imagined.

4. Create Space for Creative Habits

To reconnect with creativity, I had to carve out time and space for it. I didn’t overhaul my life all at once—I started with small, consistent actions. I set up a dedicated space for my tools and found time in my week to work on projects. I prepared my activities on Sundays for the week ahead, so my creative time could stay focused on making, not planning or thinking. These small acts helped me build a creative rhythm.

Even if you only carve out 15 minutes or set up a corner of your kitchen table for crafting, those intentional moments add up.

5. Allow the Journey to Evolve

When I began this process, I thought I knew exactly where it would lead. Over time, my creative journey surprised me. I found new joy in simple activities and reconnected with a version of myself that felt long buried. Although I still love many of the same crafts and activities, I am older, with a different perspective on the world around me, so I experience things differently than before. It feels like learning some things all over again.

Your journey may surprise you, too. When we allow ourselves to explore creativity without rigid expectations, we create space for new discoveries about ourselves and our passions.

Why This Matters

Reconnecting with creativity allowed me to feel more like myself again. The simple act of making things with my hands again brought a sense of calm and purpose I didn’t realize I had missed so much. It reminded me that creativity doesn’t just live in the things we make—it lives in the act of making itself. Creating became a path back to myself that I will try not to ever lose again.

If you feel called to reconnect with yourself, I encourage you to take a small step today. Pick up a pen, some yarn, or even a notebook, and let yourself explore what creativity can bring to your life. Every small act brings you closer to the joy of finding yourself again.