Passion Projects

Today’s drawing of Mary Magdalene.

I made a simple drawing today so I can have some time to prepare for a big school event tomorrow. Every year, I have to invite the parents and ask their opinions about the school, the supports it offers, our work. I framed it as a little wellness festival. I’ve had a very though year, so it’s me who needs the wellness boost!

Wellness is something I think about and work on every day. I think I never felt so challenged in that aspect as this year, and of course, when I was sick with cancer. But the difference is that cancer is a painful and debilitating condition, but what I feel these days is more ethereal. I feel deep tiredness in the evenings after a full and difficult day. So I rest and recover to start the second part of my day.

After resting, I dedicate 2 hours to drawing Mary Magdalene and writing a post. Sometimes I feel really inspired and I can write a post fluidly. Other times, I sit with my fingers on the keyboard waiting for words that don’t come. But whether I write easily or not, the time I spend doing this creates a feeling of peace in my being. My mind rests from the worries, anxieties and mistakes of the day.

Today I needed extra rest because I need to think. Lately, I can’t think at work, especially if I have to create something. It’s too noisy, with too many interruptions.

So when I really need to think, I go through my routine of the evening and then give it some time and space. Drawing the familiar face of Mary Magdalene helps me prime my mind to be creative in other ways. Fortunately, I don’t need to create events or other big items every day!

And fortunately, through the years, I created the Mary Magdalene Celebration, which is an event that requires coordination and project management. It has trained me to be calm and accept when something does not go according to plan. Creating the Mary Magdalene Celebration for so many years helped me learn about all the aspects of project management that I use as a work skill.

I didn’t know it was called that way, but I recently learned about the concept of a passion project. Creative people reserve time to work on a project that is close to their hearts. This type of project is developed over time and cultivated until it often helps the person evolve into a new career or transition into new work. The Mary Magdalene Celebration has been that for me.

My evening has turned into a passion project. I work with Mary Magdalene and let the day dissolve by drawing inspiration from thinking about her from different perspectives. It is a wellness practice that also trains me for future works of the heart.