I had a distinct lack of ambition when I was a teenager. Apart from playing football, I had no stand-out desire that I can remember. There was no “I want to be this” occupying my mind. I was just doing whatever came to me and wasn’t getting too hung up on results. Like all kids, I had talent in particular areas, but nothing felt missing so much that I was driven to pursue it. I didn’t feel an emotional vacuum that needed to be filled (however, that would change).
Sunday Letters
Welcome to the Sunday Letters archive. Here you'll find all editions of the newsletter from 2015. Sunday Letters is a conversation I'm having with myself. It attempts to address the psychology and philosophy of living the good life. It is the pursuit of an answer to a question. Thanks for being here.
Effects Of Stress On Creativity
Today in the Sunday Letters article I’m taking a look at the Effects Of Stress On Creativity. For many of us, the receipt of applause is everything. It determines if we are going in the right direction. In its absence, we can feel that what we are doing is not worthwhile. This is a flawed idea.
Are You Doing It For The Money?
Today the subject of money was on my mind, and I found me asking myself this question; are you doing it for the money? I was in the kitchen making a coffee, and the question popped into my head. My answer was instant, almost like both the question and answer came at the same time. And to be honest, I was a little surprised. My answer was, no.
Challenging Authority: The Creative Imperative
Challenging authority at all levels is vital in our building of a healthy society. And for the creative, there is hardly a greater imperative. In systems of education, national and local government, in work environments, sports clubs and organisations. Wherever there are those who would assume authority over others there must be those who are willing to challenge them no matter what.
The Merit In Playing The Long Game
I walk in the Phoenix Park near where I live and I see the trees play the long game. The grass and the birds and the sky play the long game. Our dog, Tilly plays the long game. So do the cats she chases that come into our matchbox sized back garden. Human beings don’t play the long game. Not many of us do anyway that’s for sure.
The Wisdom Of A Practical Man
As a young naive apprentice, I had the benefit in my training of the wisdom of a practical man and master of his craft. “Assumption is the mother and father of all fuckups young man”, he said once as he stared beyond me dismissively. What he actually said was; you’re a fool, but that’s ok you’re supposed to be.
Imelda May Portrait: An Inside Look
I started working on the Imelda May Portrait a couple months ago and I’ve pretty much not touched it since. My art doesn’t pay the bills yet so I’ve got to move away from it and on to other things that bring in the bacon.