I suck at sports. All sports, for the most part. It’s a miracle in some ways that I can walk without tripping or ride a bicycle without falling over (which I have done plenty of times). When I grew up in Indiana I had a reputation as the kid who could walk into the gymnasium and (within seconds) have a stray basketball hit me right on top of the head almost every time.
Someone much cleverer than me said "don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good". I'm still working on that.
I am (mostly) at the point where I measure success more in terms of whether I enjoyed doing something than whether I was any good at it. For example, I thoroughly enjoyed stand-up paddle boarding even though I spent a lot of time in the water rather than on the board.
Instagrim has been a powerful negative force in making people feel like they have to do amazing things. But I think that's a symptom of a wider capitalist cultural obsession with product over process. I'm a half-baked quad skater and a nursery-level crocheter and I stand with you. We keep on doing our thing and we bloody love doing it!
I can identify with what you have written today. Drawing is something that I always wished I could do. However, a kid in grade school could do better. Over the years I have developed a philosophy that someone has to admire the artist's paintings and the singer's voice. Someone like me.
Oh I feel the same way with poetry! I'm much harder on myself about poetry than any other writing. Thank you for the reminder to do things for the joy and expression and process of it, not just the "perfect" outcome.
Someone much cleverer than me said "don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good". I'm still working on that.
I am (mostly) at the point where I measure success more in terms of whether I enjoyed doing something than whether I was any good at it. For example, I thoroughly enjoyed stand-up paddle boarding even though I spent a lot of time in the water rather than on the board.
Measuring by joy seems like a great starting point.
I agree Robin. His art must be an acquired taste.
Instagrim has been a powerful negative force in making people feel like they have to do amazing things. But I think that's a symptom of a wider capitalist cultural obsession with product over process. I'm a half-baked quad skater and a nursery-level crocheter and I stand with you. We keep on doing our thing and we bloody love doing it!
Such a great post! Oh, the irony 🤭
I can identify with what you have written today. Drawing is something that I always wished I could do. However, a kid in grade school could do better. Over the years I have developed a philosophy that someone has to admire the artist's paintings and the singer's voice. Someone like me.
I visited a Picasso exhibit once. You'd be shocked how many crayon drawings of his were considered "classic art." I wouldn't put them on my fridge.
Oh I feel the same way with poetry! I'm much harder on myself about poetry than any other writing. Thank you for the reminder to do things for the joy and expression and process of it, not just the "perfect" outcome.