Magic behind library walls
Libraries are enchanting. As soon as you slip behind their doors you walk into a world that has no limitations. You feel a sense of comfort as the knowledge that surrounds you brings with it tranquility. They inspire imagination, exploration and consideration. Libraries build and nurture communities. Within their walls they preserve history, they keep the thoughts and words of incredible minds alive and they compel you to envision and believe in the impossible.
At the beginning of the month of February I was struggling to get back into the rhythm of writing and reflection. I have a morning ritual of waking up early (even though I am not a morning person), exercising, reflecting (a moment to pause, regroup and set my intentions for the day) and writing. I enjoy my morning rituals. It is a moment of stillness in my day, before my beautiful daughter awakes from her slumber and the household becomes a bustle, as we get ready to venture in all directions (work, study, drop offs). I grappled with my morning ritual in the first few weeks of February. I opted for sleep-ins as opposed to working on customs that fuel my soul. I now know it is ok to fall out of rhythm as long as you are committed to finding that balance again. At the time sleep was important, I needed to sleep for my body to rejuvenate from the Christmas holidays but when I felt my self hibernating to excess, I knew I needed to reboot but I could not find the inspiration I needed to do this.
A gorgeous friend of mine was determined to help me get my beat back. She welcomed me to her source of inspiration, the National Library of Australia (NLA). She always spoke about how fond she was of the NLA, how she found herself writing for hours within the building, basking in the great writers that surrounded her on the shelves and even at the desks next to her. I was moved by her kindness to invite me into her creative space, allowing me to borrow it to find my groove again and voila, it was magic, I was back.
The first day I met my friend at the NLA, I walked up the stairs to the library doors and felt something within me flutter with excitement. It brought back great memories of why I fell in love with books in the first place. I recalled my mum and I visiting libraries whilst growing-up and borrowing mountains of books and rushing home to read them. I remembered rainy days at school, reading books with my friends on the comfy floor cushions. I pondered my time at university, sitting at the library, researching and learning. These memories created my admiration for books and for writing. I instantly felt energized and ready to create once more.
Leaving the library that day, I could not believe how much I had written. I also could not believe the sense of wonder and enthusiasm I was feeling from spending the day behind the library walls.
I am so grateful to my friend for guiding me back to a place that fuels creativity and nurtures learning. I have fallen in love with libraries all over again. I cannot seem to get enough!
I hope this post inspires you to go out and visit a library this month!
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH
I was invited to discuss ‘Charlie’s Adventures…in Hawaii’ with the lovely Just Write For Kids team. Thank you to Romi Sharp and the team for this opportunity. A big announcement is also included. Charlie will be jet-setting to a new location soon!
http://www.justkidslit.com/interviewbybook-with-jacqueline-de-rose-ahern/
Lovely to see Charlie on the shelves of our favourite bookshops.
Great photoshoot! Can you spot Charlie’s cameo? Thank you Little Steps Publishing.
