.jpg "Logos of SAMH. Scottish Action for Mental Health and Sam's Fife. mental health peer support.")
.jpg "Collage of pictures including flowers, person holding balloons, person wearing headphones. The text on a chalk board picture states self care o' clock, the post it note text states, worry less, smile more. There is a picture of blocks of wood with text that states just be your beautiful self. There is a piece of paper with text that states relax.")
.jpg "Article of poetry with pictures of a waves, sea, trees, fallen down tree and tree foliage. The text states. The sounds of the waves crashing almost angry matching how I’m feeling today. The slight wind moving the branches and leaves; showing even with a strong, stable foundation consistent blows can shake them. Broken trees that have fallen beyond repair in the trauma of a storm. Walking along paths where the tree leaves come together for a minute a tunnel with a little bit of light shining through, symbolises that even on the darkest of journeys there are glimmers of light. These can and should be enjoyed and sometimes it is important to appreciate the beauty in the darkness. Listening to the sounds of the birds tweeting, reminds me of how music can lift my spirits. A sign of optimism and hope.")
.jpg "Infographic states calm with animated picture of person sitting with a heart on their chest area. Picture of an arrow. Picture of headphones, a mobile phone and music notes.")
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.jpg "Pictures of scribbles, flowers, exclamation marks and stars. Text states. Creativity for wellbeing. For many of us the last time we picked up a pencil or paint brush was at school during art class. In some cases, these classes inspired the pupil to draw more. At other times the pressure of the art class left a bitter taste. In my case, comparing my abilities to that of other pupils left me feeling that perhaps doing something creative wasn’t my path. So, for years I didn’t draw at all. This was despite the fact I had enjoyed drawing and painting as a child and had done so freely without being conscious of other people’s opinion. In my 20s I missed drawing and tried again to get back to the freedom I had felt as a child. Unfortunately, confidence has a bearing on the creative process. With my confidence low, I found it difficult to finish projects. I would give up drawings half-way through, throw the sketch book onto the floor and feel frustrated. In my 30s I drew in private just for me. I would finish things. It would either take me ages or I would speed through a drawing and it would all be a bit wonky. I drew my memories rather than from life. Images of family holidays and funny moments that had happened. Drawing gave me a sense of peace and focus that was missing from my life. I was really struggling mentally. Drawing helped me be at peace with myself and some kind of escape from the darker thoughts. I honestly thought what I made was rubbish but it didn’t matter. The drawings served as a sort of memory jogger. So, it was about their purpose rather than their beauty In my 40s I shared my drawings with my family. It was only one at first. They had no idea I had been drawing all these years. I showed them one of my memory pictures from a holiday we had shared. It was a pretty excruciating moment over video call. I had been looking through my drawings when the call came. My family asked what I was doing I nervously explained. Then I plucked up the courage to hold one up to the camera. I made excuses about how bad it was but the feedback I got surprised me. It wasn’t that I was a brilliant artist, but it was that I had a distinctive style. Since that time, I became a mum and shared my drawings with my growing family, trying to make them funny like the kids’ books we read together. I think my confidence grew and with a purpose I drew more. I’m nearly hitting my 50s. I draw more than I ever did and have had many adventures drawing for other people. It is truly part of who I am now and although it has been a winding path to get here, I feel like now I am at my happiest when being creative. I’ve put a wee list here in the hope it will encourage anyone who misses the creative aspect of themself. 1/. You are already being super creative. The way you arrange your space or the food on your plate. Creativity is in everything and in us all. 2/. Every artist makes thousands of mistakes, from mistakes come learning. 3/. Just because you’re not drawing /painting/ any other creative pass time doesn’t mean you won’t one day. If you have a passion to make things it will find a way out. 4/. Scribbling, sorting wool, organising paints or your art space are all steps toward being the creative way you want to be. 5/. I don’t believe creativity is about talent. I believe it is about perseverance. 6/. In everything that is made there is a map of how to improve and move forward (be kind to yourself) 7/. Making is a way to find focus and relaxation the outcome is almost irrelevant it is more about the journey. Happy, thinking, planning, making")
-20264721177.jpg "Infographic states calm with animated picture of person sitting with a heart on their chest area. Picture of an open page, with flower petals on it and text that states. Note to self. don't just be good to others. Be good to yourself too.")
The Sam's Fife Team Believe In Making A Difference
Time - Space - Compassion
The Sam's Fife Team Believe In Making A Difference
Time - Space - Compassion
