Positively Speaking

Perspective – ‘look through’ - Perspective is the way we see something.

Tina Murray - Senior Arts Practitioner

I would like to take this opportunity to put a positive spin on the whole lockdown experience.

Those of you that know me, will know that most of my days, pre pandemic, were 100 mph. Dashing from one activity to the next, always on the last minute!

Initially when the news was announced that we would have to cease all future workshops with immediate effect, I was, like most people, filled with worry and trepidation about what the future would hold for our TramShed family.  Concerned for the members, volunteers and staff who thrive on routine and look forward each week to seeing friends and colleagues for socialising and working towards our next project.

Most importantly, thanks to Zac and the Arts Council England we were fortunate enough to be awarded emergency funding which meant we could learn how to deliver workshops online and continue to provide a much-needed link to our TramShed family.  Through the use of the internet our sessions could go on…….. What is this Zoom we are hearing about?  It turns out it is a fun way to stay in touch and work towards a new project ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow.’

Suddenly my worries about the future of TramShed became less and with it my mad dashing began to ease off!  My commute was significantly different! I had to negotiate tripping over the dogs, hurtling upstairs and wrestling with my banner, all while saying a silent prayer that the internet connection would behave for a whole session!

Essentially my priorities began to change.  Having less travel time allowed for new and additional session to be offered to new members and volunteers – New connections were made with members from other ‘Shed’s’ and further afield through the beauty of cyber space. 

Time - Often my nemesis – now through the weird introduction of a global pandemic I have been gifted the luxury of time! Time to reflect, time to prioritise, and the opportunity to appreciate.  To make sure that I do not take things for granted, to consider more carefully my priorities and make decisions about what is important to me and how best to spend my precious time.

#apartofbeingapart

Tina Murray

Senior Arts Practitioner