I believe we all have ways of expressing our inherent creativity. For some it is with music, gardening or cooking, whilst others use photography, arts or crafts. Again there are so many to choose from and the bonus is that whatever you create can be used to adorn a wall, a shelf, a window, a scrapbook, or a person.....I’m sure more than one of us will be wearing a hand knitted scarf this winter. My children and I recently discovered sock monkey making, which solves the problem of what to do with the one sock that comes out of the washing machine when two went in. It’s cheap, easy even for those who are less adept with a needle, and we can make twins if the other sock ever makes a re-appearance! But what is really telling is that the evenings when we sit and sew are free of squabbles or complaints of being bored. I recently read an article about an artist who sweeps the floor for hours to clear his mind and allow the ideas and images that lead to his eventual creations to flow. There is a meditation within a repetitive activity that soothes the soul, and knitting, sewing and crocheting are perfect ways to let go of day to day concerns. Whilst some hobbies are solitary, many are social, and that can be as important as the activity. New friendships can be made through a shared interest, and for some the Bridge or Gardening Club can be a lifeline. The University of the Third Age gives anyone who is no longer in full time work the opportunity to be part of a group activity or learn something new, whether it is a language, computing skills or embroidery. U3A clubs can be found world-wide and are self-help; self managed learning co-operatives which offer one the opportunity to learn not for qualifications, but for fun. And we are never too old for that!
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.co.uk • JANUARY 2013
We may be limited in the choices we have with our work, but in our free time we can follow our hearts, and one of life’s pleasures is to spend time lost in an activity which truly engages us. Life really is what you make of it and getting out there and trying something new can add a little