I’ve been working on a book. There, I said it.
I’ve been whispering about it for some time. I’ve been nervous and afraid that I might not be capable of doing it. But at some point, I need to be brave enough to let people know.
It’s been in my head for some time, and then in 2019, after a session I ran at CommsLab, Trudy Lewis (coaching legend and famously lovely person) said, ‘You should write a book’*. I doubt Trudy remembers making this throwaway comment. But I do. So, I have, well, nearly anyway. I’m sure the last 20% will take the most effort, but I’m fully committed to getting it over the line.
Reflecting and learning
In 2020, when we retreated from the world, I started collating some thoughts. Some were already in place from workshops and other activities we‘d planned. And some of it is through self-reflection. Other aspects have been absorbed from books, blogs and different experiences. It feels like I’ve been reading and learning about creativity for my entire life. I think we all have in some way. But without thinking and reflecting on your journey, what you’ve read, seen and experienced, what do we actually learn?
Spreading the creative love
So that’s part of my mission to distil a few things into helpful and insightful short chapters and to put you to work on activities. I want more people to explore when they are most creative and understand how creativity flows through all aspects of life. Also, to understand and enjoy the creative process and not just fixate on the output.
My focus sharpened following my mum’s unexpected passing away in May 2022. It’s a moment that made me reflect on what and where I’ve reached and what’s next.
Using the power of creativity to tackle self-doubt
The book has a working title of Imaginary Friends. I’m exploring some factors that support or block creativity. Many of which are imaginary or part of a practice of self-sabotage. Those voices in my head that say, ‘you can’t do that’ or ‘you’ll fail’ or ‘this will be rubbish’. It’s so easy to fall into a spiral of negative self-talk. Our education also impacts our ability to be creative, the environment we grow up in, and many other factors. But for some, none of that gets in the way; it fuels creativity.
I haven’t got all the answers, but I’ll be happy if I can influence just a handful of people to commit to a creative practice that works for them. And even if I don’t reach this modest goal, I’ll be happy knowing I’ve tried.
Here’s a little snippet to whet your appetite.
We’ll share more on this over the coming weeks and months here, on our socials and emails. Sign up here to keep up to date with progress. Or follow us on our socials.
*I’ve checked with Trudy, and she has no memory of saying that to me.
