The Benefits of Creating More & Consuming Less

For the past two years, I’ve discovered the simple art of baking bread– artisan sourdough, rosemary herb bread, garlic knots and many more to my family’s enjoyment! The lengthy (yet rewarding) process of making a crusty loaf of sourdough bread has surprisingly taught me more than just the skills needed to bake a delicious loaf for dinner. I’ve realized that the ability to create something with my own hands produces a desire to slow down, enjoy the process not just the product, and resist the urge to buy when I can create. 

It’s reminded me that …

Creating rather than consuming requires some degree of forethought and planning. It usually can’t be accomplished with the click of a button or the swipe of a credit card. 

Creating rather than consuming is an unhurried process– for example as it takes over 24 hours to produce one single loaf of sourdough bread between rise and rest times. 

Creating rather than consuming is a way that I can bless others by showing that I’ve taken time to make them something instead of finding it commercially made at a store. 

Now I’m not against purchasing food, products, or gifts from a store– after all our society thrives on consumerism and it’s what keeps many employed and businesses thriving. However, when the opportunity to create with my own hands is overshadowed by the convenience of buying, I believe that an unfortunate gift is lost along the way. 

In this post, I’ll share why I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for creating more and consuming less as well as a list of ways that I’ve found more enjoyment and simplicity through the process of creating. 

Be a Creator, Not just a Consumer

As humans, we were made to create. I’m not merely talking about artistic abilities such as being a professional painter, photographer, composer, or gourmet chef, but rather being able to instill some sort of beauty into the world (even as ordinary as the process of baking bread that’s been around for thousands of years). 

Our modern world thrives on a stable economic system. And in order to live well we need to be consumers to have our needs and desires met (a place to live, cars to drive, food to eat, clothes to wear, as well as enjoying novelty in moderation). 

But when we solely consume day after day, we raise the bar of expectations so that novelty and pleasures are enjoyed less and what once brought us enjoyment simply becomes the new minimum.

I believe we rob ourselves of a valuable gift when the answer to all of life’s problems involve us spending more and pushing past our financial and physical limits. The pleasures we get from consuming were never meant to fully satisfy us. 

Creating and resisting being merely a consumer is a more challenging path, but it offers us rewards that go beyond what consuming can bring. 

1. A more meaningful appreciation. Creating allows us to gain a renewed perspective for something because of the enjoyment that it brings to both ourselves and others around us. When we create something, we often take pride in it because of the passion that was put into it. 

I always feel more appreciative for days when I take time to make a home-cooked meal, light candles for the table, and invite my family to sit and linger over conversation. It’s more meaningful than serving takeout on paper plates because of the time and commitment I placed into creating that experience.

2. An authentic expression of oneself. Creating allows us to express ourselves in an authentic way, displaying our desires and personality through our work. What I enjoy most about creating is that it’s not a forced process, but one that I do because of the satisfaction and connection that it brings. 

I photograph my children to capture the childhood memories, and then enjoy creating a gallery wall that is the focal point of our living room. 

I write blog posts to express my thoughts and share with others how I believe living intentionally can be done, not because it’s a way to make lots of money but because I greatly enjoy doing so. 

3. Relieves stress. Creating relieves stress by offering a relaxing experience and promoting mindfulness as you spend time doing something that is pleasurable. The process of creating allows your mind to be at ease, pressures and stress to become released, and an ability to focus less on burdens and difficulties. 

One of the most relaxing ways for me to spend a summer afternoon is to work outside in my garden. I love creating a garden full of beautiful flowers to cut and display around the house. My kids enjoy popping freshly picked cherry tomatoes into their mouths. The satisfaction that digging in the dirt and arranging plants allows this to be an enjoyable experience, not one that is forced or burdensome. 

4. Continued Growth. Creating allows your passion to grow as creativity gives way to more pleasurable experiences and opportunities to do hard things. I’m not sure what other creative endeavours will result in the next several years, but I do know that when I push myself outside my comfort zone it always opens up doors for new possibilities of growth and creativity.

Creating to Bring Purpose (not just pleasure)

As you read this post, maybe it reminds you of ways that you’ve learned how to create more and consume less, or maybe it’s inspired you to push past your comfort zone and try something new?

Some meaningful ways that many of us create (with our hands as well as relationally) and elevate the ordinary in our daily lives include…

Create rhythms of adventure, through spending time in nature or exploring the cities and towns around you. 

Create healthy habits that reduce stress and encourage persistence. 

Create a home-cooked dinner for your family to enjoy together. 

Create a family culture that aligns with what you value most.

Create a way to express your thoughts, through journaling or writing a blog. 

Create a home that is warm and inviting to those who enter.

Create deep relationships with those you love and meaningful friendships. 

Create a way to look back on your children’s years by making a family photo book. 

Create a well-rounded view of the world by reading widely.

Create a physical reminder of the places you’ve visited by photographing them. 

Create an enjoyable day for your family by planning a few simple, fun events to look forward to (some of our favorites are a picnic at the playground or a bike ride to an ice cream shop). 

Do what makes you come alive

As mentioned earlier, creating is a unique process, because we all value and enjoy different aspects of life. 

I find the most pleasure from working in my garden to create a harvest of tomatoes, lettuce, herbs, and flowers. Or making my favorite comfort foods on a chilly day. Or creating a welcoming home for family and friends to gather. But creating may mean something entirely different to you. 

Creating has no limits, boundaries, or rules. It’s a simple process of elevating the ordinary, and doing what makes you come alive. 

It should not be burdensome, but rather an experience that allows you to have a deeper connection with life around you, just as the art of bread making has done for me. What are ways that you choose to create rather than consume? We’d love to hear!