Writing has always been an emotional outlet for me. It captures ideas, intentions, and messages, and depending on your flair, it lets you shape them into something worth sharing. I never considered myself a skilled writer, yet my earliest memory of writing goes back to age eight, creating homemade comic magazines inspired by the ones I loved. Reading was my world then and still is.
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| Does this ring any bells? |
As a child, I devoured Beano, Asterix, Dandy, Archie–usually borrowed from my big brother’s room when he wasn’t looking. Those comics were my first spark. For a moment, I even imagined becoming a children’s author. My reading then then moved on to Enid Blyton books, Pacesetter novels, Mills & Boon, literally anything with words I could get my hands on. My reading dipped because life of course had other priorities: school, university, children, everything in between but writing never left. Every essay became a creative piece, my thesis in university was published internationally, business proposals won awards, and love letters flowed easily. Writing has always been my steady companion.
I’m learning to stop saying “I have no writing skills.” I simply love writing, and that is enough. Maybe one day I’ll write a book; for now, a few honest lines are a good beginning. I tell my children to follow their passions and dream boldly though I’ve had to clarify that unlimited chocolate and all-day PS4 marathons don’t count as passions or dreams!
I’m grateful my children caught the reading bug. One of them is already showing some real writing talent, completely absorbed in Diary of a Wimpy Kid. He owns every book, rereads them endlessly, and once wrote a letter to Jeff Kinney that I, unfortunately, misplaced. Like me, he’s a ‘flash reader,’ and I couldn’t be prouder.
Writing has become one of my coping strategies in this season. It gives me a momentary escape from chores, home learning, and missing the outside world. What helps you cope?
Even in challenging times, our gifts shine. Creativity has flourished indoors such as online bingo, virtual quizzes, artists sharing their talents, volunteers stepping up, and inspiring fundraisers like Captain Sir Tom Moore. We truly are resourceful.
I encourage parents to pick up a book and read with their children at bedtime, sofa time, or any time that works. We’re currently enjoying Anne of Green Gables, one chapter at a time. Invite your children into the world of stories and let their imaginations take flight. If you’d like book recommendations, feel free to ask me.
As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s remember to be kind. Kindness costs nothing.
Thank you for reading.
Ige
