Happy Tuesday! Today’s guest is the über creative and talented Amanda Medlin. (Check out her beautiful home…) She shares about self-care, finding her way as a mother, and teaching your children to be creative. I loved her thoughts about being gentle and gracious with yourself as you grow into the person God created you to be.
Want to read about more women balancing motherhood and writing? Check out the Perspectives on Motherhood and Writing archives for 20 other interviews.
Why do you write/blog?
Writing helps me pay attention and really process what is going on in my life. I have journals filled with scribbled notes, scriptures, prayers, lists, quotes, struggles, and dreams. I have always been an avid reader, but I hated grammar in school, so English was not one of my favorite subjects. But when I went to college, I took a creative writing class and realized that writing was something that I really enjoyed and was actually good at.
Blogging gives me a space and an ongoing prompt to write. I enjoy it as a creative outlet and as a form of self-care. If I have time to myself, I prefer to use it crafting, reading, or writing. Sometimes I feel mommy-guilt for taking time to do these things, but I have to remember that this time actually makes me a better mom because I am a lot more fun to be around when I am taking care of myself and being the whole person that God created and called me to be.
How long have you been writing/blogging?
I started blogging over four years ago, right after my second son was born. My blog started out being about my journey to finding my own way as a mother, and over the years it has changed and evolved as I have written out whatever season I have found myself in.
How has your current season of life impacted your writing/blogging?
Funny you should ask. I actually just came back to blogging after an unplanned 10 month hiatus. In November 2013, I gave birth to my third child, posted once or twice after she was born, and then went silent. It was a season where I was busy taking care of my home and my family and didn’t make self-care a priority, which meant no blogging and not much reading or crafting or anything else. I think most moms go through a similar season after giving birth, but it always seems to last a bit longer for me. Thankfully I have learned to show myself grace.
I recently felt a shifting of seasons and a stirring of some passions and dreams that had been lying dormant, so now I am trying to find the balance of taking a little time for myself to write and be creative and pursue those dreams while still loving and serving my family as my number one passion and priority.
How has this season of life changed your writing habits?
This season is not an easy one to find the time to write. I am a stay-at-home mom of 3 (ages 6, 4, and 1) and I homeschool, so I am with my kids all day, every day. Most of my writing takes place when my husband makes me leave the house for a few hours so that I can have a little time to myself. This usually happens once a week or so as our schedule allows. A lot of the other aspects of blogging, like editing posts, adding photos, blog maintenance, and social media usually take place at the kitchen counter, in between making dinner and folding laundry, with a napping baby on my back.
What is your writing/blogging battle cry?
Although my blog has evolved and changed over the years, I feel like the underlying theme has always been about my journey toward embracing the unique woman God created and called me to be, and I hope that my writing encourages other women to do the same.
How does faith, writing, and motherhood intersect in your daily life?
I think that one of the most effective ways that I can teach my children something is to model it for them. If I want them to be creative, they need to see me being creative. If I want them to be intentional, they need to see me being intentional. And if I want them to be faithful in all that the Father has called them to do, they need to see me being faithful to my callings as I use my talents and creativity and personality and voice for His glory.
Amanda Medlin is wife to Phillip and homeschooling mama to Jack, Aidan, and Kate. She is passionate about living with authenticity, intention, and grace. She is an old, creative soul who loves to read the classics, knit, sew, paint furniture, and is currently learning calligraphy. Most days you will find her at home with her little ones, reading aloud and leading messy art projects, while gently tending to the soil of their hearts. She writes about living at the intersection of faith, motherhood, and creativity at her blog Always Amanda.
Emily C Gardner 
I can relate to so much of what you write here, Amanda — especially about self care! I love that you think of writing your blog as a form of self care. I think that’s what it is for me too, a creative pursuit just like the many crafts I enjoy — but sometimes fall into thinking I should be making money or building a huge audience like some other bloggers.
I totally agree Sarah! It’s hard not to feel like blogging is a waste of time when you don’t make money or you don’t have a huge following. It makes a huge difference when you view it in the lens of self-care and creativity!