Hi everyone! I hope you’re doing well and 2025 is being kind to you? I personally sign up to newsletters from a number of inspiring people and I want to reflect and discuss something I read in one of those as part of my Blog this month. I hope my monthly Blog helps you too, to reflect and even challenge yourself. Let me know if you can relate. 

Mark Manson (April 2025) said: 

If you’re not failing, you’re not learning. 

If you’re not learning, you’re not growing. 

If you’re not growing, you’re not living. 

When I read this, it sent shivers down my spine. I had to pause and then think Wow… yes! He’s right. I think I can look at many aspects of my life both personally and professionally and relate to what is said here. But for the purposes of my Blog this month, let me reflect, if I may, on my creative path. 

If you’re not failing, you’re not learning. 

Yes! I totally relate. After serving for 20 years as a civil servant here in the UK I decided to quit my job and follow a creative pathway full time. I wasn’t failing at my job; it was the complete opposite, I was actually really good at it and I’d like to think I was looked upon as a valuable member of the team. BUT. And here is the failing part. I was failing myself. Working as a cog in the system that was failing and not living my dream. Life is far too short to not take risks and take that leap of faith to completely change and navigate away from a system that was safe but chaotic. I wanted to learn more about me and my ability to be creative in an authentic and genuine way. So, I left and followed a creative pathway. It’s not been easy, but I learn every day. 

If you’re not learning, you’re not growing. 

I haven’t only learned about new creative painting techniques (I have learned a lot which has been amazing). I’ve learned more than I can imagine! I’ve learned new skills: (filming, editing and producing tutorial videos for my channel on YouTube), teaching people who follow and subscribe to me all around the world (that blows my mind as there is such a great community out there), become more resilient (dealing with online trolls and bullies), learning who I can trust without being used (sadly, there are people that are just out for themselves and will use you to only their advantage). I’ve also learned what I want to achieve for a work life balance. I feel so blessed and lucky to be in this position of learning and growing as “Mark”. 

If you’re not growing, you’re not living. 

I always say to my friends we are not the same people we were 1, 3, 5 or even 10 years ago. We all grow and evolve in various ways and at different paces. And that’s ok isn’t it? That’s what life is about right? Growing. Evolving. Cheering people on when they achieve new things (being happy for them and their achievements and success’s) and being there to provide support when things don’t always go the way we expect. 

Life is for living. Life is precious and when you paint, creative or whatever you do as part of your creative pathway go for it. You have nothing to lose, you’ll only learn, grow and live. Don’t have regrets. 

Check out Mark’s course on Smart Art Courses: Mindfully Creative: Art Techniques for the Mind, Body and Soul
www.smartartcourses/art-for-mindfulness 

Mark Ratcliffe from Mark J Ratcliffe Art: Abstract Artist & Creator; Certified Meditation Coach and
Wellbeing Practitioner.  Written in his own words @MarkJRatcliffeArt / markjratcliffeart@gmail.com