It’s that time of year when the days seem to merge into night such that you wonder if it was ever actually day time at all. The skies barely seem to reach full daylight before they begin to darken and close in. Much like a hibernating animal, the desire to curl up and stay home buried under a thick blanket is so strong it’s a wonder I leave the comfort of my duvet in the mornings at all.
If the last couple of years of being home more have taught me anything, it’s how to listen to my body and pay attention to all the little signals it sends me each moment of the day about how it’s doing, what it wants and needs. I’m usually the person unable to sit still, multiple projects on the go at any one time, thriving on the excitement of new ideas and possibilities. This month however it’s like I’ve been hit with a big lethargy stick. My mind is tired. My body wants to sit and rest. My mood is happy but drowsy. And for the first time in a long (long, long, long) time I’ve not been pushing myself to fill every waking moment with activity. I’ve been enjoying slower mornings and easier evenings. I’ve been running slower and less. And I’ve taken a step back from creating artwork for others and focusing on creating when and what I want. Creating for pure pleasure.
I know this period of lassitude won’t last, so I’m enjoying it. I’m allowing myself to rest, dream and imagine. I’m taking stock of what I’ve learnt over the last year or so, about myself, my art and the direction I want to move in. And about how I can start afresh in 2022 once my energy levels are back up.
This is the first time I’ve blogged in a long while. It’s not so much a ‘what I’ve been up to’ type post, nor is it a post providing advice or art related thoughts. It’s more of a general update to say hello: a bit of a ramble to let you know I’m here, that I’m still in love with what I do and that I’m still eager to share my artistic journey with you.
Like many of us, 2021 for me has been a rollercoaster of a year and I’m excited to turn a new page and begin a new chapter in 2022 (and to get married and start a new job!). A new chapter that includes growing my art, writing more about art and creativity, and importantly, interacting with more likeminded people who share my passion.
Really all I wanted to say was that I wish you all the very best for the remainder of 2021, a magical and restful Christmas, and an amazing start to 2022.
Speak soon,
Sarah x