Windmills of your mind

This year, I’m having a renaissance of sorts. I picked up reading again after so many years. I mean not like reading because I need something from it such as a recipe for cooking, or research for an upcoming talk. But reading for the joy of it. I had finished quite a few paperback novels in the past couple of months and I even started on a draft write-up for a book that resonated with me, but I picked up another book which took the time off writing.

And then last month or so, I also started sketching. I enjoyed sketching when I was a kid so it’s been many years since I’ve done this. I’m no artist, mind you, but I guess that’s what makes sketching work for me. I can get away with a representation of an object, person or scenery and not worry too much about details. I’ve been posting my work on my Instagram account and since then, my algorithm has been showing accounts on my feed that focus on sketching, watercolours, and acrylic artwork. Their art are leagues beyond what I do, but I take it as inspiration to keep on sketching and hopefully be able to express myself better as time passes.

I find reading and sketching relaxing. It helps me focus on the task at hand and in a way, it is also changing the way I look at my surroundings.

But more so I realise that my being able spend time on hobbies means that I feel I can now spend time for myself too. I’m not saying that it’s bad for you to give of yourself to others, but if you are unable to replenish yourself then there will be nothing left to give and you will feel drained and exhausted. It’s good to think of yourself every once in a while and enjoy things you want. In this year’s journey I feel like I’m rediscovering myself and I’m all the better for it.