If you read my last post, Finding Joy in January, you’ll know that I had just become Chartered and had started working through a book called The Artist’s Way.
At the time, I had no idea quite how much of an impact that little purple book would have on me.
The course is designed to take 12 weeks, but nearly six months later I am only just reaching the finish line. Not because it was difficult, but because life has a habit of happening around our best intentions.
And perhaps that is where this blog has been too.
The Things We Put Off
I have always loved writing. For years, having my own blog was one of those dreams that sat quietly in the background waiting for “the right time”.
Then I finally started.
The funny thing is that once we achieve something we have wanted for a long time, we often assume we will suddenly have endless motivation to keep it going.
The reality is usually different.
Much like healthy eating, drinking enough water, exercising, or getting enough sleep, making time for creativity can easily slide down the priority list. Not because it is unimportant, but because it doesn’t shout as loudly as everything else.
Family life, work, responsibilities and the endless list of jobs that need doing tend to get there first.
Learning to Be My Own Friend
One of the biggest lessons from The Artist’s Way has been learning to spend time with myself.
That might sound strange, but somewhere between raising a family, building a career and looking after everyone else, I realised I wasn’t always very good at looking after me.
The last six months have given me space to process some unresolved grief, reflect on what I want from the next chapter of my life and become much kinder to myself along the way.
I’ve discovered that when I make time for the things that fill my own cup, everyone around me benefits too.
A happier, calmer and more fulfilled version of me turns up for the people I love.
Living the Story
Whilst I haven’t been writing much, I certainly haven’t stopped living.
Over the last few months I have:
- Wandered the beautiful streets and canals of Venice with a great friend.
- Spent quality family time in Cornwall.
- Enjoyed an amazing solo adventure in London.
- Made the huge decision to put our house on the market as we move closer towards our off-grid dream.
Some of these deserve blog posts of their own, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
Why I’m Back
One thing The Artist’s Way taught me is that creativity isn’t something you force.
Sometimes you need to step away from one creative outlet so that another part of your life can grow.
For a while, the work I was doing on myself needed my attention more than the blog did.
Now, for the first time in months, I find myself wanting to write again rather than feeling that I should.
And that feels like exactly the right reason to come back.
Life Is for Living
So if you’re still here, thank you.
Thank you for sticking around whilst I took a little detour.
I’m looking forward to sharing more adventures, more reflections and hopefully a few reminders that joy can often be found in the most ordinary moments.
Life is for living.
There is so much joy waiting to be found.
Go and get yours.
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