‘I’m using the coronavirus pandemic to refresh myself and transform my creativity’

I’ve been writing regularly since I was about 65. I started writing for my own pleasure and then found a website to publish my work. Yet, I feel now is the time to undergo something of a transformation, an opportunity to ‘morph’ into a more sophisticated blogger … Right!

I’ve spent recent years enjoying writing for Starts at 60. I’ve even been blessed with a few awards for my written words. It is not only personally satisfying, but it shows me just how important outlets such as this can be for members of our generation.

As technology changes so do we. I find that the internet has some days been my best friend. It can become something of a time commitment, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy playing and getting lost online, sometimes for hours on end.

Words have always been my friend, I use them often badly and not in a good way. I have been known to rack off people even knowing that my words will be kept within the internet forever — now that is a concept I do find hard to get my head around. I know that when this blog is published these words will be kept somewhere forever. Holy!

More than 50 years ago I learned to type at 80-odd words a minute. That makes for easy writing. Of course, with computers, you’re also unlikely to make many spelling mistakes (who hasn’t had that little red line appear before them in copy?) thanks to spellcheck. I find that when something is flagged it’s a good opportunity for me to investigate further.

I don’t feel vitriolic tirades online are worth it. That said, I don’t begrudge a person having an opinion. I have opinions on lots of things, but it all comes down to how I communicate. I guess that’ll be something to consider as I undertake this refresh (and now is as good a time as any).

It’s not uncommon for our brains to be in constant overdrive, especially during a health pandemic, but I figure if I want to function well I need to recharge my energy and refresh my focus if I’m to be more creative and resilient. Here are some tips I’ve found that could be useful:

• Start and stick to a routine (many of us — myself included — need some sort of structure to be able to work effectively)
• Have something to pursue (this applies to whatever creative outlet you’re interested in. In my case, investing time in writing provides a great way to recharge my brain)
• Don’t be scared to be prolific (something children seem to be good at, they don’t tend to worry about failure and that must be incredibly liberating)
• Indulge in things that are relevant (being interested and engaged in the world is certainly helpful)
• Give your brain a challenge.

If I’m going to be at my best, refreshing my focus is certainly going to help.

Keen to share your thoughts with other 60-pluses? You can sign up as a contributor and submit your stories to Starts at 60. While you’re at it, why not join the Starts at 60 Bloggers Club to talk to other writers in the Starts at 60 community and learn more about how to write for Starts at 60. Community blogs published on the website go into the draw for some great weekly prizes.