In the nourishment and nurturing of our own creative souls, I believe that we can give of our truly authentic selves in a way which can provide nurture and fulfilment for others.
Beautifully written and really interesting to me, because I was sort of the opposite at school! My report cards always said “she has so much potential, if only she’d just put in more effort…” and I always beat myself up about my inability to get my butt into gear and try harder! Aren’t we humans interesting? It seems the grass is always greener on the other side…
Fabulous storytelling David, not too much at all. For years I've talked about getting back into flute playing and flautist friends have been popping up in my life lately. I'm taking this as a sign I should follow this feeling ✨
I really do feel all your emotions here, David. The more you write from the heart and for yourself the more free and happier you will feel. The need to put everyone in a box at school has always been a bugbear with me, even more so since trying to guide my autistic son through the system. You are doing a wonderful job on Substack, please keep being your unique self.
“School wasn’t geared towards the individual, it was geared towards compliance, to acceptance of the societal ‘norms’.”
Yes, I felt this as well. My interests have always been in the subjects of English and History, but when I was at University, I was discouraged from getting my degree in either of these topics in that if I wasn’t going to teach, there wasn’t really a point in these majors. This was what I was told by several professors at the time. I ended up graduating with a degree in Communications, but I took as many English and History classes as I could make time for while at university even though they didn’t have anything to do with my major, but I feel like my education was more well rounded for it. I still love history and still continue to read books concerning this topic to this day 😊
Good reminders! I truly believe that being “selfish” is the best way. If we do what we enjoy, our love of life and passion for what we do becomes contagious to others! 💕
Trying to hard, rather than enjoying what you write ( draw, paint, play...) certainly does not always yield the best results and instead relaxing and enjoying the process very often yields happier results. A lovely piece, David.
Thanks for this, David, I really enjoyed reading it and I couldn't agree more with your final paragraphs. Until I got to my 30s I was chronically insecure and always prioritised pleasing others over myself. I can remember many social interactions from that time (3/4s of my life!) that make me cringe. Moving to Germany because because I didn't speak any German, so when in a group I couldn't be a "tryhard", I just had to sit quietly and observe. Being forced (by my own language incompetence!) to do that for several years has (perhaps unexpectedly!) really helped me to relax in social situations, and now I find myself much more aware of my own needs.
Beautifully written and really interesting to me, because I was sort of the opposite at school! My report cards always said “she has so much potential, if only she’d just put in more effort…” and I always beat myself up about my inability to get my butt into gear and try harder! Aren’t we humans interesting? It seems the grass is always greener on the other side…
We’re all so different!
Fabulous storytelling David, not too much at all. For years I've talked about getting back into flute playing and flautist friends have been popping up in my life lately. I'm taking this as a sign I should follow this feeling ✨
Oh yes, definitely, and like my teacher says to me, it’s always there waiting for you when the time is right ✨ Thank you 🙏
I really do feel all your emotions here, David. The more you write from the heart and for yourself the more free and happier you will feel. The need to put everyone in a box at school has always been a bugbear with me, even more so since trying to guide my autistic son through the system. You are doing a wonderful job on Substack, please keep being your unique self.
Aww, thank you so much 🙏 Ever-grateful for your support and encouragement ✨
Such a reflective piece of writing - perfect you are writing for you 🍁
Thank you so much 🙏
“School wasn’t geared towards the individual, it was geared towards compliance, to acceptance of the societal ‘norms’.”
Yes, I felt this as well. My interests have always been in the subjects of English and History, but when I was at University, I was discouraged from getting my degree in either of these topics in that if I wasn’t going to teach, there wasn’t really a point in these majors. This was what I was told by several professors at the time. I ended up graduating with a degree in Communications, but I took as many English and History classes as I could make time for while at university even though they didn’t have anything to do with my major, but I feel like my education was more well rounded for it. I still love history and still continue to read books concerning this topic to this day 😊
I’m glad this resonated 🙏✨ Very much my experience too.
Good reminders! I truly believe that being “selfish” is the best way. If we do what we enjoy, our love of life and passion for what we do becomes contagious to others! 💕
Very true!
All round creativity in you and the extra mile always pays off👏
Trying to hard, rather than enjoying what you write ( draw, paint, play...) certainly does not always yield the best results and instead relaxing and enjoying the process very often yields happier results. A lovely piece, David.
Thank you 🙏
Awwww I love this so much! 🥰❤️ Also definitely needed to read those reminders that you wrote throughout.
❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for this, David, I really enjoyed reading it and I couldn't agree more with your final paragraphs. Until I got to my 30s I was chronically insecure and always prioritised pleasing others over myself. I can remember many social interactions from that time (3/4s of my life!) that make me cringe. Moving to Germany because because I didn't speak any German, so when in a group I couldn't be a "tryhard", I just had to sit quietly and observe. Being forced (by my own language incompetence!) to do that for several years has (perhaps unexpectedly!) really helped me to relax in social situations, and now I find myself much more aware of my own needs.
It’s so interesting, isn’t it? I think I was the same until my 30s too. It does take time, and often at our own speed 🌿 Thank you 🙏
Lovely article! Makes so much sense! If we try to please everyone, we might end up pleasing no one.
Exactly!