Inspiration

This is actually quite a difficult question these days as people seem to focus on what saps their energy, and I am very adept at doing that.

So, the first thing that gives me energy is novelty. When I have something new to focus on it gives me a lift. When I was teaching full time I got energy from lessons that required me to do something different. When I was teaching art and design students this summer, something I hadn’t done for about 15 years, I had a fantastic time and my energy levels in the nine weeks were way above those I had for my previous job which had ended only a month earlier.

The second factor comes from the opportunity to learn something. It can be learning in any context, whether it be something academic like Popular Culture or practical like gardening or working around the house. That always energises me.

The third factor is the support of my family. When I have that I can raise enthusiasm for anything. Without my wife I wouldn’t have tried many of the things that have filled my life with energy. I continue to do so to this day thanks to her inspiration.