Did you know that my name, Bernice, comes from Berenike which means Bringer of Victory. It's also where Nike, the footwear company, gets its name from. Valerie Sjodin made this piece of artwork for me.
If you are a regular reader you will know that I used to be addicted to online courses and that I tried to give them up. In their place I became addicted to in-person workshops. I was trying to give them up when I had to go cold turkey in March due to them all being cancelled.
I'm sure you'll guess what came next. Yes, I succumbed to the delights of online courses. However rather than them being particularly art or textile based, I signed up for one on developing creativity and one called 30 days to Purposeful Habits. I'm half way through both. And have signed up for a creativity based one starting next week.
Through all these courses I am trying to find out why I work, or don't work, the way I do. I haven't struggled with not being creative through lockdown, because I wasn't being particularly creative before. There has been some creativity simmering away below the surface - the last few blogposts on zine making for example. And I have kept up my Word of the Year Journal. The most creative thing in that is using different coloured pens and some washi tape!
So what have I found out so far?
That I actually need a schedule and deadlines. When I retired I had a mini rebellion about schedules. From childhood my life was scheduled around school timetables. More timetables as a teacher and then again as a parent. So when I stopped working I decided I should do without and be as free as a bird!
And how has that worked out for you you might be asking.
Not at all well really. I don't get much done and I don't feel any sense of satisfaction with some of my days.
The course that officially starts next week had an opening exercise of a piece of work that captured the essence of my life's journey so far. In doing the two recent courses I became very aware that I keep asking the same questions maybe at a different level on a metaphorical spiral staircase. I learn a little each time but never make big breakthroughs.
I think it's time to make the breakthrough.
One of the things I have also realised is I should stop hesitating and 'just do it!'
Thanks for joining me today
Bernice
Very nicely said.
ReplyDeleteAs a retired teacher I said I would NOT be in charge of planning gathering for friends/family.