Ep 109: Messy Beginnings w/ Alice O’Connell

Today’s episode features a self-care modality that we haven’t covered yet on the show—knitting.

Alice O’Connell, a former tv actress, first took up knitting as a way to pass the time while on set. What started as simply a way to pass time became an essential part of her self-care when she had kids and found that she was losing herself in the journey of parenthood. Knitting gave Alice micro-windows of calm when everything else felt overwhelming.

This thread of self-care reached new heights when Alice was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. During her treatment journey, knitting became a place where she could channel anxious feelings, process thoughts, and support self-esteem.

Alice shares how knitting became a form of active meditation where she could channel her focus and attention at a time when sitting in quiet stillness felt too challenging.

We round out the conversation with Alice sharing breakthroughs that her students have had on their knitting journeys as well—things like greater confidence, self-esteem, and giving themselves permission to take up more space in their lives.

To anyone who’s considering picking up a handicraft but has felt hesitant to do so, Alice encourages you to embrace being a messy beginner—for the lessons it holds are far greater than the “mistakes” along the way.

Connect with Alice: www.learntoknit.nl

Connect with our episode sponsor: www.mohadoha.com

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