Imperfectly returning to writing
I'm back! It's totes fine if you didn't realise I'd been away.
Hello you,
It’s a joy to be writing to you from blustery Ribble Valley.
It’s Janelle here. Amongst many things I am a writer, a newly obsessed bird-watcher and someone very interested in wellbeing, of myself and of others.
As I type, the sun is shining, a robin is twittering and I can see blooms of candyfloss pink, primary yellow and violet. Spring is springing beautifully and I just adore it.
I’ve had a few weeks away from sharing my writing here and it was definitely the right thing.
The challenge now is, how do I ‘come back’?
This is already the third version of this ‘come back’ letter I’ve written for you. Because I’ve been away for a bit (which I’m pretty sure you haven’t particularly noticed), how do I return with a BANG?
Actually, why do I need to?
Is it that I need to justify that this six-week period away has lead to something PROFOUND?
Why this pressure?
I say, pressure be gone!
I have learnt a lot during my Substack sabbatical and I’ve got so many things to say, but they don’t all need to be today. And they don’t need to be in a dazzlingly crafted, honed and sculpted work of prose.
A big theme around here is doing things before we are ready. And this is the spirit in which I’m sharing this off the cuff notelet with you today.
I’ve actually been playing around with watercolours recently and absolutely loving it. There has been no intention to ‘finish a piece’ or reach an artistic outcome. The main goal has been to play.
There has also been no intention to share but when I did, I had a little bit of moment on Substack notes (204 ❤️). You can take whatever wisdom you like from this.
One thing I’ll take is that I am allowed to share playful, half thought-through, quickly done things. They may even resonate. And if they don’t, that’s fine too. I’ve still got so much out of doing it.
This also segues wonderfully into a book recommendation for you. I’m currently reading Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transforms Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross. (Affiliate link)
Like me, you may be someone who often feels shame around spending time on creativity and consuming art. Perhaps that it’s not serious, it’s childlike, too playful or not a useful contribution to the world. Well, this book is proving me wrong on every level! It is scientifically proven - art is healing and art is necessary.
“When the arts become a regular practice – the way you might improve nutrition, increase exercise, prioritize sleep – you unleash an innate tool that helps you navigate the peaks and valleys of your inner life. And the best news is, you don’t have to be great or even good at making art to experience the benefits.” – Susan Magsamen, Ivy Ross
So, this is your invitation to unleash your creativity, even for five minutes. By doing so, you’re taking care of yourself and the world. Science says so!
Thank you for engaging with my creation today. I had fun making this and the chance that you’re connecting with it is the cherry on the top.
I’d love to hear about anything you’ve been making recently and whether you’ve felt the positive benefits. Do comment below.
Take care and have a wonderful week.
Janelle x
I'm so glad to hear you've found a way to incorporate creative play into your days, Emily. Totally hear you, it must be tough to 'justify in your mind', but it will contribute hugely to your artistry I'm sure, and your wellbeing too.
Although this a very delayed responses because I, too, have been away for a while, I did notice you were away! And was happy to see you back. I often feel my creativity is inferior to a 'proper' job and am heartened to hear yet more about the value of art. I'll be searching that book out, thank you!