Beyond IBD: transcending chronic illness

Kite by Rebecca Leigh

There are over six billion people in this world, each with unique experiences and perspectives. Each day is an opportunity to learn more about them and ourselves. Don’t just stick with what you know, or what you think you need to know.

I like to read about design - branding, product packaging and even furniture. Although I like to think I can appreciate good design, I know that design is not my talent. That doesn’t mean I can’t buy a lush design magazine, or check out beautiful websites on the subject.

This gives me joy. It also inspires and informs other aspects of my life and creative work. Equally, my passion for writing teaches me valuable lessons on living well (with or without a chronic illness).

Mix it up. Feed your mind ideas from different disciplines, different places. You might be surprised by the results.

Here is a taste of the varied places I find inspiration, and thanks to Monika for providing the spark.

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This week I will be joining tens of thousands of writers around the world and endeavouring to write a novel in 30 days. It’s the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and this will be my first year.

I don’t know if I will reach my goal of 50,000 words by midnight 30 November 2007. I do know that whatever I produce in this intensive month of creation will not be ‘the world’s greatest novel’. So why do it? I do it because writing, in any form, gives me a great deal of satisfaction and enjoyment. NaNoWriMo gives writers the opportunity to come together and celebrate the simple good fun they have when writing freely and without judgment. Read the rest of this entry »