Ben tells me he needs “permission” for creativity because it’s indulgent. He says that it needs to have a purpose and he feels unable to create for its own sake. I feel immediately sad about what Ben is telling me. Growing up with a father who didn’t value art in any of its forms Ben has … [Read more...] about Why Creativity Doesn’t Need Permission
Meaning
How To Find Inspiration When You Need It
Songwriter Boo Hewerdine once told me a story about Richard Thompson and his approach to songwriting. Apparently he would write constantly, regardless of the quality of the work, just so that he was ready when inspiration came. He called it “keeping the shop open”. You never know when inspiration … [Read more...] about How To Find Inspiration When You Need It
Why You Can't Reach Your Potential
At the weekend I travelled to Bournemouth to give a presentation at a conference. The event was all about finding ways to reach your potential, but I don’t believe it’s possible for us to reach our potential, and strangely enough, I think that’s a wonderful thing. Sinking into the rather too deep … [Read more...] about Why You Can't Reach Your Potential
Why Time Matters Less Than You Think
Driving to an orthodontist appointment Beth remarks somewhat wistfully, “We’re halfway through the summer holidays and it feels as if they’ve only just started”. That’s the thing with time, it passes more quickly than most of us would like, especially when we’re doing things we enjoy or even nothing … [Read more...] about Why Time Matters Less Than You Think
The Lessons I Learned From A Rabbit
Toffee died this week. She was a rabbit and she’d been through a lot. It’s not what they achieve or their practical input to our lives that make animals or people valuable, it is much more often the influence they have over the way that we behave and think about ourselves and our life. That’s why … [Read more...] about The Lessons I Learned From A Rabbit