Get Creative in 2021 – Learn Something New: We’ve been stuck in the house for most of 2020 and we’re hoping that 2021 will see us return to some sort of safe normality.
Today we all took joy in the news that over in the UK, 90-year-old grandmother Margaret Keenan became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 jab following its clinical approval.
Margaret said:
“I feel so privileged to be the first person vaccinated against COVID-19, it’s the best early birthday present I could wish for because it means I can finally look forward to spending time with my family and friends in the New Year after being on my own for most of the year.”
And there you have it all – looking forward to the New Year. A year where we all hope we can spend time with our family and our friends again. A year we can start to socialise, go out and mingle, return to public life, take a holiday. Basically we want to look forward to a year in which we can live our lives again.
One thing on the top of many people’s lists will be to learn something new. And 2021 could be the year when people choose to learn something creative, something for themselves – not necessarily something that will advance job prospects or upskill business training – maybe 2021 is the year when you learn something just for you. Something that you connect with. Something that helps you express yourself. Something that gets your creative juices going. Something that will get those endorphins buzzing.
Let’s take a look at a few things you might be interested in and and whet your appetite to Get Creative in 2021.
Learn to sing
You may have perfected Nessun Dorma in the shower or knocked out an amazing Ariana Grande performed into a hairbrush. Singing lessons are great for people of any age whether you’re serious or not about singing and it’s also a great way to improve your confidence as you will learn to develop your voice and perform in front of others. And the next party you’re at or the next late night sing song, you can amaze your friends with your newfound ability. Great for all music sessions and the easiest instrument to carry around!
Take a look at our list of singing classes here
Learn to dance
Now here’s one we have all fantasised about! Who hasn’t watched Strictly Come Dancing and said “I’d love to do that”? Well treat yourself in 2021 and get your Rumba on. There’s a great variety of classes in Ireland now teaching dances from all around the world. You can jazz or jive, tap or tango, hip hop or hustle, shake your hips or your tail feather. A dance class is also a great way to meet new people and an excuse to put your glad rags and get your best bib and tucker on. And of course dancing is one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to get moving, be active and stay fit.
Take a look at our list of dancing classes here
Learn a language
After the year we’ve had, many people are planning a special holiday in 2021. So this year if you’re planning on going to a country that is not native-English speaking, why not learn the language. Not only will you increase the experience of your holiday by speaking the language of the locals, you’ll also be able to connect and interact with the place and its people. Plus locals will warm to you so much more when they see that you have put the effort in to try and speak their language. Also, learning a language is a great way to really connect with other cultures and gain an insight into other traditions, religions, arts, and history. Plus there are all the amazing cognitive benefits that come with learning languages. That’s for another post!
Search for your language classes here
Learn to bake
If Strictly didn’t make you want to dance, then surely Bake Off makes you want to get your apron on, get covered in flour and get cake-making! Baking is a great skill to learn and is the gift that keeps giving. It is also a calming, meditative process and will give you a tremendous sense of well-being. Most important of all though is the fact that the process ends with something divinely yummy. And remember, once you start knocking out Triple chocolate and peanut butter layer cake, Red velvet cupcakes and Doughnut muffins, you’ll suddenly find yourself becoming the most popular person in the world.
Take a look at our list of baking classes here
Learn to draw
You may think you can’t draw. But you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve once you take classes. It is an absolute thrill to see how much you develop and progress as an artist… Yes, you are now officially an artist! It won’t take long under the guidance of a teacher that your stick men and women become a stylish expression of your newfound ability and creative expression. It’s fascinating to see how everyone will bring their own perception to what they are drawing and no two people will draw the same object exactly alike. Drawing is also a great way to boost your mental health and is very similar to meditation as you zone in one the act of drawing and focus zen-like on the object of your creative attention.
I’ll leave you with Beatrix Potter, best known for her series of children’s books, who once said: “I cannot rest, I must draw, however poor the result, and when I have a bad time come over me it is a stronger desire than ever.”
Take a look at our list of drawing classes here
