23,800!

Some things just take time. You can’t rush it, you can’t take shortcuts. And that’s the time to settle in and enjoy the process of becoming.

In January, when I started this project, I did not know that in 4 months I would have a finished afghan. It was all about the process. It’s all about crocheting, which I find relaxing. I enjoy making things with my hands and, with this project, there was no timeline. It didn’t matter how long it took.

Plus, I liked the idea that it was created using the arrow stitch, reminding me to just keep stitching — this afghan and in life — moving forward. =)

Sometimes we get so focused on an end result or the destination, that we miss all the joys along the way.

Imagine being a passenger on a road trip with your nose buried in your phone, missing all the sights and activity outside the window, not to mention the opportunities to stop at a roadside stand, strike up a conversaton with a local, or walk along a lakeside path. All the sights, sounds, scents, and moments of awe and aaahhh that will go unnoticed in your state of distraction.

As I completed each row and 4-row pattern, I felt good. I was creating something and I wasn’t in a hurry. I simply enjoyed making each stitch along the row as my mind wandered and settled into a peaceful place.

23,800 Stitches

Here’s the math:  There are 200 stitches in a row, 4 rows to a pattern, and 29 patterns = 116 rows. Plus the beginning chain row and 2 finishing rows

= a total of 119 rows x 200 stitches in a row = 23,800 stitches!

That’s a daunting number, one that might make someone hesitate to even begin, yet begin we do. We don’t always know how long it will take to reach a goal, but we start out anyway with the best of intentions. And that’s a good thing.

In this age of convenience, I could have bought a pre-made afghan, but it wouldn’t look like this and I wouldn’t have the satisfaction and appreciation for the time and energy that went into making this one.

So whether you’re crafting, building, studying, or healing — honor the process and your progress. Remember to celebrate along the way and when you finish.

Life is worth celebrating. So are you. We need more celebrating!