Learning Moments

Giving Inspiration a Space to Flow

“Always have a project.” – John Durrant

A while ago, John Durrant wrote these words, and they resonated so much that I saved his blog post in a folder labelled Great Inspiration.

To John, a project is a “container for our ideas, inspiration, and growth“—a form of “productive work for the soul”. It keeps us moving, even when life feels overwhelming.

“I feel that we need something of our own—a path of mastery where our projects can take shape, giving us direction and providing a lifeboat to sail through the adversities of ordinary life.” —John Durrant

I Love the Idea of Soul

Whether painting, writing, or wandering unhurriedly—when I’m fully immersed and find flow, I feel soul. It’s in losing myself to the moment, in what inspires me, in what invites me to play and explore. This is the joy of being in the process.

I Love the Learning

Learning fuels my curiosity. Sometimes, it takes a gentle push beyond my comfort zone. A project gives me a container, a space to explore freely and see where the process leads.

More Than Just Doing “Stuff”

I love the nuance between simply staying busy and working on a personal project. A project feels different—intentional, focused, and meaningful.

A project isn’t a habit, but it can build one.
A habit isn’t a project, but it can fuel one.
They feed each other, yet they are not the same.

When I train daily, I prepare for a 1,000 km cycling trip from the Netherlands to Switzerland—perhaps a future project.

When I doodle daily, I strengthen my creative muscles for an art project.

The ordinary builds the extraordinary.

It’s time to take the next step—to turn small habits into something greater. I’m considering John’s invitation; a project is brewing. I’ll keep you posted on where it leads.

And you?

Everyone needs a personal project. What’s yours? Do you have one? Maybe now is the time to give it a go!
Drop me a message or comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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The bit at the end

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Reach out,  I’m always open for a chat.
Creatively,
Nadia

P.S.The paintings featured on the blog are my own.