At school I barely concentrated on any topic; I was too busy sky-larking around with my best friend Sam. Or, in maths, far more pre-occupied: discussing music with my friend Roger!

 

Even though, I later had a conscientious friend in Debbie; perhaps due to my harrowing childhood, I did badly in the majority of my final exams. Sam did a sterling job with her monochrome picture of John Lennon; so impressive in fact, that the art teacher wanted to keep it! I, on the other hand, got a big “U” for ungraded…

 

Shortly after leaving school, I did a foundation course in drama, and whilst I gained qualifications, none of them meant much to me, since soon after college, Sam and I worked for my wonderful late father.

 

We enjoyed heaps of endless fun, working in the fashion and music sector, was a twenty-four-hour excuse for a hedonistic lifestyle, and we lapped-up every joyous moment.

 

On paper, I didn’t have much talent, and even though I went on to run my own business; I attributed my abilities to be in the blood, passed onto me from my dad, as opposed to the result of much academic studies.

 

Like dad, I seemed to have a skill with communications and I ran my one-girl-band for over twenty years…But then covid happened and shortly afterwards my disability became more challenging.

 

I did much soul-searching, and picked -up on my passion: writing, but this time, for me, instead of business related. I wrote a draft about my childhood because my late brother and I wished to help other people with their mental wellness.

 

But since its midst being edited, I found myself at another lose end.

My cluttered mind feels soothed when I’m busy, so I wracked my brains for something else to do – beyond trying to keep healthy and outwitting my impairment.

 

So, I’ve recently been dabbling in art. I say so lightly, since I’m no good at perspective and have little idea about technique.   But I’ve been having lots of enjoyment and fun; firstly, just experimenting with colours, and utilizing my daughter’s old art box. It’s actually advantageous not having a clue because I have no expectations of my ability – since I clearly didn’t have sufficient to gain a grade in school!

 

I had no idea about how relaxing it is either. Freefalling, with heaps of glitter and glue!  I’ve since wiled the cold evenings: making wrapping paper and some simple amusing reindeer cards.

 

I threw away any rule books, because my focus was not about mustering up any talent. I’ve purely immersed self in a newly – found avenue of enjoyment.

 

Don’t allow your lack of talent to block your curious mind, because doing anything creative is soul-nourishing. To take a child-like view about something that doesn’t need appraising: frees up our glorious human brain. It is a form of mindfulness too.

 

I hope you find this helpful.

 

With SUNNY wishes, Emma x