What comes to mind if you think of the word ‘creativity’?
For me, it used to conjure up images of elaborate works of art. Creativity was something reserved for artists, authors or musicians. I did not believe myself to be a creative person.
When I look back I realise that as a child I was very creative. I could spend hours writing stories, making things and drawing pictures. There was nothing I loved more than to sit with paint, crayons, glue or other art materials and creating something just for the sake of it.
Somewhere along the way my artistic side got rejected, first by others and then by myself. However, over time I have learnt to no longer deny that part of me. I now realise that being creative has nothing to do with skill and talent but about my personal self expression and doing it just for the joy of it.
Do you hold yourself back from engaging in creative tasks? If so, what blocks you from doing this?
Read MoreI have been reflecting on the modern world and its impact on our sense of community.
Community used to be something that was a natural and intrinsic part of society. During ancient times our instincts drove us to be around others and we formed tribes. Being part of a tribe is what enabled us to survive as a species. We needed one another for protection, to build shelter and to obtain food. Whilst in modern society we do not face the same challenges as the ancient humans did, to not be be part of a community and to feel isolated appears to be a large contributing factor for poor mental health.
Before the industrial revolution people were born, lived and died within their close knit communities. People grew up together and knew each other their whole lives. Religion often played an important role in community too, but from the 16th century science became more prominent and many people started to lose their connection with the spiritual aspects of themselves and the support that organised religion gave them. Transport improved, it was easier to travel and move away from the location in which we were born. Families and friends moved from where they grew up to obtain better jobs. As a society we became more segregated, individualized and more lonely.
I believe that some of the problems faced in the modern world are due to this lack of community. It is a time where jobs are unstable, people are forced to move to keep ahead of the game and may end up many miles away from those they know and love. This lack of community can bring about loneliness, lack of purpose and low self esteem. Loneliness is a serious issue and is often cited as one of the largest cause of premature death.
Read MoreFor a while now I have been wondering as to whether the diagnosis of mental health is helpful. I have mixed feeling around this so I thought I would put some of my thoughts into a blog.
I frequently find that people who have been given such a diagnosis are actually having perfectly natural reactions to events that have occurred at some point in their lives. Diagnosis can open up access to help and services, yet at the same time it can lead to people being over diagnosed, heavily medicated, stigmatised and feeling as if there is something wrong with them.
Read MoreStarting a new venture, project or hobby?
How do you feel about new beginnings and change?
As I started to write this blog I initially thought of the term ‘new beginnings’ as a positive concept. The idea of starting out on a new adventure and heading down a road or path that is full of potential. Yet the more I reflected on this, I realised that even the most well planned of journeys can be fraught with various obstacles and challenges.
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