Waists of Wonder

As a mother to 6 kids, one being a special needs child, it is easy to lose yourself. So much time is spent caring for others, that it’s hard to find time to care for yourself. Between school assignments and doctors appointments, it is easy to become overwhelmed. That’s why self-care is so important to me. Self care is something I try to impart the importance of on others as well. Being a woman is a stressful thing at times. How can you adequately care for others if you are not caring for yourself? How can you pour into someone from an empty cup?

That is one of the reasons that I enjoy crafting. It allows me to center myself. Crafting is something that I can do just for me, and at the same time be able to include others through gift giving. I have always been referred to as the crafty friend. I’m the one who is called on to crochet or knit a friend a baby blanket when they are expecting. I’m often requested to help decorate for parties and design centerpieces. I’ve made diaper cakes for baby showers. The act of taking raw materials and creating something completely new reminds me that I am amazing. I can make something out of nothing, and I think that’s beautiful.

My current crafting venture is making waist beads. Waist beads are a strand of decorative glass beads that are worn around the waist. They hold many different significances in a lot of African cultures. Some may use them for fertility, coming of age ceremonies, or to accentuate their femininity. Others may set a specific intention to each strand when they tie it on, one that the wearer may decide for themselves. Once that intention is reached or comes to pass, the wearer may choose to cut their strand off and start new.

Making and wearing waist beads reminds me that every single body is beautiful. From this body, I have created and supported life. It can often be difficult to remember and to see the beauty in it, since childbirth incites so many changes in a woman’s body. I am reminded of that greatness and beauty when I see my waist beads in the mirror.

Being able to make waist beads allows me to share my gift with other women. I want to remind them that they matter, that they are strong, and that above all they are worthy. There is beauty in being able to customize an intentionally designed strand to the wearer, cutting the thread to their provided measurements so that their strand sits perfectly on their body. It makes me happy to know that I can bring that happiness to other women.

Each strand that I create takes time and effort. There is a lot of trial and error that goes into the creation and design of my strands. There is also a vast array of materials to choose from when making waist beads. Many creators spend months or even years sourcing different types of threads, to make sure that it works for them and doesn’t break easily. There is a vast array of beads to choose from, of all different sizes, textures and finishes. Often times it can be challenging, but the feeling when you finally get the design you want is definitely worth it. It’s similar to the feeling you get when you are able to decode a secret code, or putting the last piece in a 1000 piece puzzle. It’s a beautiful feeling when it all comes together.

I am grateful for the day that I tied on my first strand of waist beads. It has unlocked a whole new world of potential for me. I am able to do something that truly brings me joy and peace, and I am also able to share that with others.