Amanda Larson

I want to be calm and flexible, patient, inclusive, a deep listener and present with others. I want to be creative, spunky, engaged, and energized. I seek to be a learner and a teacher. But, I now know that I cannot be any of these without first taking care of myself. So this is me, on my journey towards playful and authentic living.

In the midst of my graduate studies exploring the role of creativity and play throughout all stages of human development, I realized that I’d forgotten how to play. I forgot how to leave myself space and time to just be in the moment. In February of 2013, I started feeling the effects of that loss through physical signs of stress. I resigned from my job with no clear plan for what I’d do next. I just knew I was not living my ‘handmade life,’ and I wanted to find it.

I wear many hats in this evolving handmade life, but each hat connects me with people and honors my inborn desire to create and grow. I facilitate learning in outdoor recreation; I advise afterschool youth programs; I teach yoga to teens and adults; I make and sell whimsical handmade goods; and I’m in training to become a leadership instructor for undergraduate students. When I recently explained my professional life to a new acquaintance, he said: “Oh ok, you’re an expert on fun!” I laughed and smiled ear to ear. Oh, how I would love to be an expert on fun! I’m certainly not there, yet. But I’m learning to walk my talk. And I’m sharing that journey with you here.