The Five-Minute Rule That Changed My Life
Custom Curtains,Custom Window Valances,Efficiency,Home Decor,Inspiration,Interior Decor,Interior Design,The Stitch That Taught Me,Window Treatments,Workroom Tips
Welcome to the next lesson from: The Stitch That Taught Me—
real stories from my sewing workroom and business journey that take you beyond the pretty finishes to the true lessons I’ve learned in 38 years of creative workroom life. Each one taught me something worth passing on. I’m Donna Cash, and I’m glad you’re here.
The Stitch That Taught Me: The Five-Minute Rule
This lesson came from my mother-in-law. One Sunday afternoon, early in my marriage, we were sewing while the guys watched football.
She turned to me and said:
“Donna, take five minutes every day to do something just for yourself. Something you enjoy. And don’t feel guilty about it.”
That wisdom stuck. I learned to call this the Five-Minute Rule.
As a creative maker, a wife, a mother, and a business owner, it’s been a lifeline.
Because the truth is: when you give to others constantly, you must refill your own well. And that doesn’t have to mean hours of free time—it can start with five minutes of something that brings you joy. The key is to make a habit of practicing the five-minute rule: five short minutes, every day. And if you didn’t catch it, do not feel guilty about this.
Joy is fuel. Permission is power.
And yes—I learned how to stretch those five minutes into longer stretches of time. Without feeling guilty. And without avoiding my responsibilities. 😉
The five-minute rule – it’s something I practice every day. I hope you allow yourself to do this as well without feeling guilty.
Go ahead—take your five minutes.
And if this blog resonates with you, please share it with someone who may also find it helpful.
As we enter new phases of our journey, let us not forget the five-minute rule. And no guilt!
Can you give yourself five minutes without guilt?
Thanks for reading.
Joy is fuel. Permission is power.
—Donna Cash
Watch The Five-Minute Rule now on YouTube.
Who this video is for:
* Designers with overwhelming responsibilities.
* Workroom pros learning to hold boundaries.
* DIYers who are overwhelmed with too many projects.
* Creatives juggling burnout and business growth.
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This can be a great time to rest and trust the process, re-evaluating your strategies and goals.
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Inside the Designs by Donna Workroom Membership, the weekly Live Chats cover systems, quoting accuracy, and recovery strategies so that you can grow with grace.
As a part of my community, I often share tips that have helped me improve my workflow. One such tip is to create a project timeline for each job, breaking it down into manageable tasks. This not only keeps me organized but also provides a clear visual of my progress, helping to avoid the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Creating a timeline also requires you to rest and trust the process in your work.
Where we turn sewing mistakes into mastery—and sewing into joy.
Do you have a question, or would you like to share your own “mistake turned lesson”?
I encourage fellow makers to share their experiences, whether it’s a mistake that led to a breakthrough or a lesson learned from a challenging project. Each story contributes to our collective knowledge and can inspire others to embrace their unique creative journeys.
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Meet Donna Cash – Your Trusted Sewing Mentor & Creative Guide
Donna Cash is the founder of Designs by Donna, an award-winning drapery and soft furnishings studio known for its exquisite custom pillows, bedding, drapery, and detailed embellishments. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Donna brings a rare blend of technical expertise, artistic flair, and warm encouragement to every maker she mentors.
A passionate educator, speaker, and industry leader, Donna has trained hundreds of DIYers and professionals alike, helping them master professional techniques while cultivating a calm, joyful, and balanced approach to their craft. Whether you're just beginning your sewing journey or running a workroom business, Donna is here to help you grow with confidence.
Through her blog, video tutorials, and vibrant online membership community, she shares time-saving strategies, fabric insights, and real-world solutions that make high-quality results feel achievable—and enjoyable. Donna’s mission is simple but powerful: to help you create beautiful things with fabric, one inspired stitch at a time.
Join the community and explore expert instruction at www.designsbydonna.com.
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