Creative Growth: Stories of Hands, Heart, and New Beginnings

Have you ever stopped, perhaps in a random moment, and felt an undefined need for something more authentic, more real? It’s not about changing everything overnight, but rather that deep-seated need to connect with something meaningful, to feel closer to yourself. Though we often overlook them, these are important moments—time seems to stretch, thoughts grow deeper, and we discover a sense of connection with ourselves that we frequently set aside for various reasons.

An event that shook our certainties and that we will never forget was undoubtedly the pandemic. Those days spent within the walls of our homes confronted us with a different reality—one that, for many, brought forth unusual yet necessary questions, such as: “Am I truly living the life I want?” In that emptiness, some found an answer—or rather, a beginning. Because when the noise of the world fades, only one voice remains: our own.

Evelyn and Her Search for “Authenticity”

One story we want to share is Evelyn’s. Her life was like many of ours—stable job, reassuring routine—but deep inside, something didn’t feel right. Evelyn realized that to feel alive, she had to truly listen to herself. She participated in some of our courses, discovering different realities from those she was used to, and through these experiences, her journey began—, a journey that took her far, but above all, brought her closer to herself.

Craft workshops are not just courses; they are also emotions intertwined, places where hands become a bridge between who we are and who we could become. It’s not just about learning a technique but rediscovering parts of ourselves we thought were lost, letting dormant passions emerge from beneath layers of habits and obligations. It all starts with listening—listening to the rhythm of hands at work or to the heartbeat aligning with a simple gesture.

Today, Evelyn leads a more authentic life and is writing a book to tell the story of her transformation. We asked her a few questions to learn more about her journey and change:

What does creativity mean to you?

Creativity, to me, is the ability to see the world differently and shape it into something personal and meaningful. It’s about connecting the dots between experiences, emotions, and thoughts in a way that feels like yourself, that feels real. For me, creativity is not just about making things with your hands; it’s about making sense of things. It’s about questioning, exploring, and embracing the unknown—whether that’s through storytelling, crafting, or the way I choose to live my life. My travels have taught me that creativity is a skill that is present everywhere, in everybody, and that it helps us to bring joy.

What inspired you to join Creative Italy’s craft workshops? Do you remember the moment you thought, “Okay, I’ll give it a try”?

I have always been drawn to making things with my hands, but I had never given myself the time for it. It requires patience and dedication. The real inspiration came from my journey of slowing down. Traveling with my children, I learned to appreciate small details, to find beauty and joy in the simplest moments. Time does not always have to ‘produce’ something or be ‘useful’; sometimes, it is enough to simply enjoy. I realized that craftsmanship isn’t just something you do, but a way of being present.

I remember the moment I decided to give it a try. The year after traveling post-Corona, combined with an intense heat wave, had been heavy, and I realized I needed something for myself—something that brought me joy, positive energy, and a way to reconnect with myself. I searched for creativity in Italy and discovered Creative Italy. My first workshop was Tombolo in Sicily, an art form completely unknown to me, yet so mindful and relaxing. As I crafted, I wasn’t just creating a piece of art—I was creating space for myself. Connection with people and with myself was the unexpected outcome. It felt like something I needed to do, to allow myself this time, to learn this skill, to simply enjoy the process. Craftsmanship as an experience, as a journey.

Was there a particular episode that made you think, “This is what I want, this is who I am”?

Yes. It was during one of our long travels, after a six-day trekking in Montenegro with my husband and children. I was exhausted, physically and mentally. Sitting outside our camper in the golden evening light, I broke down. Not because I was weak, but because I had been ignoring a deep truth: I was living by patterns that were not truly mine.

In that moment of raw honesty, something shifted. I realized that I didn’t want to just follow along—I wanted to create. I wanted to create my story. I wanted to make conscious choices, not just for my family, but for myself. That was a turning point. It wasn’t just about travel, or adventure, or family—it was about me, finding my own rhythm, my own voice.

What obstacles did you encounter along the way, and what helped you overcome them?

The biggest obstacle was myself—my own doubts, the internalized belief that I had to perform, that everything had to make sense, that I had to rely on logic and rational choices. I struggled with these internal voices, not realizing at first that they weren’t truly my own. At the same time, I wanted to care for my children and my family, and I discovered that real connection is profoundly important—not only for me but also for my children growing up in a complex world. I also wanted them to explore creativity, to discover who they truly are. It’s a constant balancing act—finding time for myself while also having the energy to be present for others. 

What helped me was learning to listen—really listen—to my inner quiet voice. Traveling, stepping away from the organization I had been part of for so long, immersing myself in different cultures, and experiencing the support of my husband and the honesty of my children all revealed parts of myself I hadn’t fully seen before. Often, these were unexpected lessons, insights I never anticipated. And eventually, I learned that creativity, freedom, and self-expression are not things I need to seek—they have always been an essential part of me.

Your book stems from an experience of change—can you share something about it and the message you wish to convey?

My book is about transformation, about how travel became a catalyst for my inner journey. It started as an adventure—a way to escape the constraints of everyday life and embrace freedom. But over time, I realized that true freedom isn’t just about movement. It’s about feeling at home within yourself, no matter where you are.

The message I want to share is that change doesn’t come from running away, but from being willing to look inward. Sometimes, you have to get completely lost before you can truly find yourself. My story is about that process—the beautiful, messy, unexpected path toward authenticity. It’s not a manual for how to live, but an invitation to question, to explore, and to embrace the moments that shift something deep inside you.

Evelyn’s story is not a fairytale with an obvious happy ending, because reaching this awareness is the result of a great inner effort. It is proof that change is possible, even when it seems difficult. But we know that along the path of this incredible journey, a new version of ourselves awaits. Because real change is not a grand, dramatic act—it is the sum of small efforts. And everything begins with a simple yet powerful gesture: listening to ourselves.