In the second week of Jan, I went for life resolutions. I figured that I'd stand of half a chance of being more committed if I took a life view. Not rocket science, I know. But it was a mini epiphany for me!
One of the areas I chose was "me" time and not to feel guilty about it. Oooo, that's a tough one!
So why "me" time? It's said that you need to be a bit selfish with yourself to be able to help others. I don't mean endless acts of self-centredness. Just simply taking care of yourself in all aspects of your life.
So last week I started an art class. Drawing for the Totally Terrified. Such a great title!
I was useless at art and disinterested in the subject when I was at school.
My only memories of art lessons are:
- very unkindly taunting my art teacher
- painting a very weird dustbin in a back yard
- climbing into the water system above the art room with some friends to pour powder paints into the system. This resulted in a delightful rainbow of colours bubbling out of various school drains and detentions
Right now I'd like to say sorry to my art teacher tho' I fear she may no longer be with us.
So why at 54 with such a bad track record in art did I opt to start Drawing for the Totally Terffied?
The need to create was building up in me like the desire for Rich Tea biscuits late at night when the biscuit tin's empty. It's too late to buy any cos you're in your jimjams. But you become obsessed with having them.
I was nervous of taking the first step, of what the teacher would think about my lack of talent, and what I myself would think about it.
But there I was at my first class. I was welcomed by the lovely Liz. An interesting, warm, engaging and informative person with a cracking sense of humour. I took to her straight away. What's that saying? "when the student is ready, the teacher presents itself?"
Liz asked me to pick an object to draw so that we could see where I was at. I chose a snowman biscuit tin from her kitchen. And here it is. Fortunately, with a little gentle prompting from my teacher, I was able to analyse what wasn't right with it and also what was good about it.
I found the whole process totally absorbing. I was absolutely, totally, utterly in the moment. I didn't care (too much) that my snowman wasn't 3 dimensional and out of proportion. One day he will be.
The next exercise that we went through was even more enlightening. But more of this another time.
I went away feeling invigorated, refreshed and actually a bit joyful! How good is that?
Taking care of yourself is important. Too often we get lost in the moments of others, our work, friends and families and not ourselves.
Facing fears? Well I'm no expert. But I faced my snowman... and I'm still here to tell the tale.
Are you taking any "me" time? Please share your experiences with us here, on Facebook or Twitter.
