Skinny Design finds new purpose creating better futures
Like new years resolutions, there are many examples in my life of things I started but did not see through. I find this to be one of my worst traits, but not something I do intentionally. I often begin a project joyfully doing what I love, only to have my attention stolen by a competing priority. That is what happened to this blog, and more than once.
I knew something needed to change. I decided that no matter what life throws in the way, I must stay focused on the things I enjoy most. I love design, illustration, photography, and art, but I rarely spend any time indulging in them. At the very least, I love being creative, and I like to share my aspiration with others. One of the most rewarding things about sharing a passion is the encouragement it offers others to do that which genuinely makes them happy.
Shortly after this realisation, I took a much more in-depth look at my life. I wanted to know the reason I had disconnected from the activities I enjoyed. I was no longer sure that I genuinely liked them. I discovered I hadn't just disengaged with the things I loved, but I had disconnected almost entirely from the reality of who I was. I didn't understand what it meant to be me.
Since starting on this road of 'self-discovery', my outlook has changed. What it means to be me is not just about me. Two things remain, I am creative, and I love to share what I learn. I now understand that my longing to share is not about status, but about serving others. I am at my best when, by doing what I love, I can show others love.
For the most part, my creativity focused on visual arts and often conveyed an obscured message. I did not discover my love for writing and storytelling until very recently, or at least I had not acknowledged it before now. In reality, storytelling has always been present in all my creative outlets, whether design work, drawing, painting, drumming, or public speaking. Storytelling is present in every aspect of my life from how I dress, to how I conduct myself in meetings. Even the way I recall and convey memories to my friends will always take the form of a story. Unwittingly there has always been a message and intent in all that I do.
Sharing experiences and observations through written stories has become my medium to serve and help others. Writing is one of the easiest ways for others to engage with the messages I wish to impart. The beauty of the written word is that a reader may take in and reflect upon it when convenient and at their own pace.
I volunteer my time in an online community of peers and have earned a position of trust. My role in this peer to peer community is to help others by sharing my varied and unique experiences. In a nutshell, I help others facing difficulties by retelling stories from my life, conveying the positive, relatable lessons gleaned.
This blog started life with the intent of commercially sharing content about creativity, but has become a space for sharing stories to create better futures.
I hope you stick with me and enjoy reading and exploring the stories and experiences to come.