Hannah’s Everyday (sometimes heirloom) Favorite Finds | 2.19.26
I thought I'd round up my favorite creativity hacks: how I get into deep work when the clock is ticking. I'm a homeschooling mom of four building creative-entrepreneurial businesses with my artist husband and the idea of gaining back time, or at the very least, making the most of my time, is a strong conviction of mine.
The irony of this idea isn't lost on me, however.
Deep, creative work doesn't always happen in a neat time block. There's no “hack" to make good, lasting, legacy-driven work. It's meticulous and notoriously slow.
It's supposed to be.
In a world obsessed with quick-fixes and Prime delivery and AI automated responses, the work of a creative/artist/maker is counter cultural. Embrace it. The world needs a slow exhale. And so do you.
So while there's no shortcut to lasting work, it helps to create the best atmosphere for it so that your life begins to become conducive to the kind of work you want to make. Good. True. Beautiful. Suddenly, you'll look around and realize your life is the deep, creative work.
When I look around my life, there are a few things I gravitate toward knowing that they ground my feet, enabling me to walk out a long obedience in the same direction.
It's a short list. There are a few trusted tools that really do help me do the work God has called me to.
Let's begin with the greatest. A journaling Bible is a must for me. I like this one and it's very similar to the one I use everyday. My greatest inspiration comes from the Word. Hard stop.
A supplement to getting into the Word everyday is this one. Use my link and you'll get $20 off your first month's subscription. Honestly, I'm really picky about subscriptions and can count on one hand how many I actually have. This one is worth having. Trust me. Join me for this year's Lent study starting this week. It's not too late to get yours.
Blue light glasses have helped me get through screen-related work. Like writing this email to you. :)
I've swapped most of my afternoon cups of coffee for tea (gasp!). I know, Jake can't wrap his head around it. However, the jitters weren't helping me be more productive OR focused. Quite the opposite. Sorry, Jake. This tea keeps me going without the crash.
I swapped my Apple Watch with a timeless wrist watch (well, not sure “timeless” is the right description when you're talking about a watch). However, the notifications were pure distraction and would creep into my deep work mode faster than a toddler with a Sharpie or a nearly-walking 10-month-old going for the toilet-paper roll. And that's saying something. Going analogue is something I should have done years ago.
I've always journaled. And when I'm overwhelmed, this is where I turn. I have a collection of journals and some of my best ideas come out in these writing sessions I set aside in the mornings or evenings as a steady rhythm. This journal is a great one. Plus, the blue is pretty.
Movement has been a non-negotiable for me. Whether I'm walking with a weight vest with my two littlest in the stroller and fighting for focus or I need a break – movement is key to keep the creative juices flowing, if you will. These walking shoes have become a dear, trusted companion these days.
Every day I wear one of the jewelry pieces Jake and I created. Have you ever heard the phrase, “an author writes the book they need to read?” Well, I supose I create the designs I need to wear. I'm wearing this design right now as I wait for God to show us what's next. A tangible reminder that we praise Him because He is good and trustworthy and faithful, no matter our circumstances. I can trust an unknown future to a known God. Use the code HANNAH20 for 20% off your next Everyday Heirloom design.
With you in Belovedness,
Hannah
