I love trying new things – setting myself new challenges – stretching myself. And that is what I did this past week.

I decided that my next ‘project’ would be learning to sketch – which is something that I have never been good at.

I don’t know about you – but – when I feel as though I am not good at something – I tend to leave it alone – and concentrate on the things that I feel more confident in doing.

But – I decided to take note of a quote I came across – which said – “Move out of your comfort zone – you can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable – when you try something new.”

And so – determined to at least – ‘have a go’ – I found some good tutorials online – and tried my hand at sketching various shapes – and learning about how the different thicknesses of pencils worked etc.

However – I wasn’t sure if this was the way I wanted to go – simply learning the fundamentals of sketching – in order to become good at it – and I realised that – “You have to find what works for you – not what works for everyone else”.

I searched further for inspiration – and came across an artist who talked about using ‘sketch books’ – simply to record things from everyday – the things that were part of your own life. I found this idea so interesting – reminding me of the scrapbooks that I love to make – but – instead of using photographs – using simple sketches – not concentrating on ‘how good’ the sketches were – but simply learning to ‘see’ the things that make up your life.

I fell in love with this idea – it resonated with me – and filled me with an excitement – and anticipation. He talked of using the sketch book almost as a journal – with handwritten accounts – and using various mediums of art. This – I felt – was more – ‘me’ – and something that I would love to try.

And so – now the idea has been planted – I am eager to begin. It’s new for me but – as someone once said – “Unless you try to do something beyond what you have mastered – you will never grow”

I love that age doesn’t stop anyone from learning – in fact – I just love this quote – “Anyone who stops learning is old – whether at twenty – or eighty – anyone who keeps learning – stays young” – and – I have to say – that for me – while ever I keep trying new things – seeking to learn – to improve – it makes me feel young – and so – I will continue – as long as I am able.

Blessings – Lois