making space for myself
I’ve always had a low social battery. Crowded places make me dizzy. The noise, the pressure to perform, the sheer volume of energy around me—it’s too much. So I often choose stillness. Quiet corners. Days with more space than noise.
Now that I have more time, I’ve been spending it doing creative things that calm me. Lately, it’s been hand sewing. Nothing professional—just adjusting seams here and there. Mostly on kimono that don’t quite fit me, or the occasional obi that needs a second life. There’s something soothing about stitching by hand, feeling the fabric move under my fingers, listening to the soft rhythm of thread pulling through cloth. It slows me down in a way I really need.
I’ve also started wearing kimono more often. Not just at home, but outside too. I like coordinating the elements—kimono, obi, haneri, obijime. Sometimes people notice and offer a quiet compliment. It always surprises me a little, but it feels nice. A small moment of connection.
Wearing kimono makes me feel more present. It asks for attention and care, not in a loud way, but in a grounded one. Like putting on intention.
Here’s a recent coordination I wore:
The obi in this photo was actually too short for me when I got it. The decorative motif part that’s meant to be displayed in front wouldn’t show properly because of the length. So I altered it—cut the obi and sewed in an extra piece of fabric to extend it. Now the design can be seen, just as it was meant to.
My next project is to extend this kimono. It’s a bit small for me, and that’s why it doesn’t sit quite right. But I’m excited to give it a new shape—something that fits me better, in every sense.
Wearing and working with kimono has become a quiet ritual for me. It’s not just about the garments—it’s about creating space. For stillness, for presence, for gentle self-expression. And that’s something I want more of in my life.