Hidden treasures

Over the last few days, my brain has been ticking away, thinking about the ways wonderful people evolve when they confront the tough parts of life. I've been quietly marvelling during casual chats with others, listening to the extraordinary changes that come from facing challenges and taking on responsibilities.

Now, no judgement from you, please, but over the past few weeks, I've been diving into the live-action adaptation of 'One Piece.' It might not be your typical viewing choice, but I have a history with it from my days living in Japan many moons ago. Back then, I'd engage in conversations about my favourite characters, despite my limited understanding of the language or the anime. How very thrilling my clumsy and limited discussions must have been.

What drew me to 'One Piece' this time around is the character Luffy D. Monkey. He's a pirate with big dreams (you had me at big dreams, Luffy). But what really captured my attention is how he grows in strength and determination as his responsibilities mount and the challenges keep piling up. It's as if he becomes a more powerful force in the world with each trial he faces.

Now, not everyone I've been chatting with lately has been munching on devil fruits and turning into stretchy rubber pirates like Luffy. But I've come to recognise a parallel in the real world. People in my life, maybe even you, have faced their own unique challenges, and much like Luffy, they've transformed in the process. Navigating the waters may not be smooth, and yet, I imagine you emerging as a metaphorical stretchy pirate hero, resilient and stronger than before. 

Sometimes in life, it feels like we're sailing through wild shit-stormy seas. But it's in those moments that we discover just how much we can endure and how extraordinary we are. Perhaps, if you're feeling perceptive, you may be able to recognise exactly how you may have changed. Or maybe, you'll just notice how you gently return to the ways you've always been.

Keep sailing through those challenges, my friend, and who knows, you might find your own "stretchy" superpower along the way. Feel free to respond with more chat about heroes - both fictional or real-life hero chat welcome.

Oh, and speaking of extraordinary discoveries, I had the loveliest catch-up with a kind Creative Arts Therapy colleague recently. While we shared our thoughts, I couldn't help but notice the harsh, uneven imprints on the paper caused by a broken pen that scratched and scraped its way along. It was as if my words had left behind a trail of imperfection. But then, like a touch of magic, I rubbed oil pastel residue over those marks, and something incredible happened - hidden beneath the surface were bright swirls, like invisible ink! It reminded me that in our conversations about our challenges, beautiful, unexpected revelations can emerge.

So, if you ever find the time or space to connect with someone about your own challenges, who knows what hidden treasures might be unveiled, just like those swirls of invisible ink on the paper.

Make some mess, please,

Hayley