Wandering Through The Land Of Nod.

Schooldays

“Amanda, what did I just say?” The teacher’s voice bounced around the room, calling out my school name which finally landed in my brain. Of course, I was the last one to hear. The sniggers of my classmates caught my attention before the woman in charge. I died another death inside while everyone waited. I had to get the words out: “I don’t know, miss.”

Home Life

“She’s off in her own world again. I don’t know what to do about her.” The anxious words of my mam were tinged with anxiety, but that didn’t stretch as far as talking to me about it. Of course, I was off in my own world again. It was much more colourful, interesting, and exciting than what everybody else called reality. My head story went on whatever I was doing, and I looked forward to being alone so that I could devote real time and attention to it.

Getting into Trouble

So, what did you get into trouble for when you were a child? The chances are, that says a lot about you and what you’re good at. Did you stay silent and in your own world? Were your clothes always muddy because you were out climbing trees and dipping in ponds? Was the house cluttered with the models you made? Would you never stop talking? Did you always argue? Did you skip your homework or school because being outside was just so much better? Did you drive everyone mad with nonstop jokes? Were you always in charge of games?

I often ended up in detention at school because I liked to mess about, and my high spirits sometimes got me into trouble. – Tim Vine, comedian.

Growing into Myself

It turns out that daydreaming has been a good gift to me. Of course, I connect with the real world well enough and I’m a pretty practical person, but a good imagination helps us make sense of what’s going on every day.

Daydreaming a Better Life

As a friend, wife, and mother, daydreaming has grown my life. Imagining what life’s like for someone else is really useful, but do a reality check with them first. Thinking up fun things to do is hard without a bit of imagination. As a Christian priest, you need an imagination to relate to people, to communicate with them, to pray for them, and to make some sense of the Bible.

Daydreaming into My Third Age

Happily, and fortunately, I’ve made it to my third age. I’m retired, fit, and healthy (despite more frequent visits to the doctor with irritating niggles) and I’ve got more daydreaming opportunity! Now is the time for me to write down some of the stories that still constantly tell themselves in my head as well as reading lots of other people’s!

University of the Third Age

This is a great organisation which helps us find out what we like doing and do it. Having a go is a great thing and no one’s going to tell you off! I’ve joined a writing for fun group, which is just what it says. It’s friendly, encouraging, and daydreaming is compulsory!

University of the Third Age (U3A) is a UK-wide movement that provides opportunities for retired and semi-retired people to come together and learn for fun.

Library Learning

Check out your local library service. They often run excellent courses on a range of subjects, and I did a course on short story writing. I really enjoyed this; it was very friendly and helpful. And of course, imagination was essential!

Inspire Learning in Nottinghamshire offers a variety of courses and workshops to help you develop new skills and interests.

So, why not spend a bit of time remembering your childhood? It can unlock today and tomorrow.

Wander well, Mandy.

What do I love?

• A good daydream.
• Looking out of a window.
• Thinking about what’s happening on the other side of a hill.