My Depression Felt Creatively Expansive. Now I’ve Overcome It, How Do I Keep the Meaningful Parts? | Leading Questions
Eleanor Gordon‑Smith reflects on how her recent depression amplified her creative output, delivering vivid poetry, painting, and a darker artistic lens. She now feels better but fears losing the intensity and clarity that the depressive state provided. The essay argues that depth can be cultivated through intentional joy, precise emotional labeling, and community‑driven art rather than lingering in darkness. Ultimately, she suggests that post‑recovery routines can preserve meaningful insight without the cost of despair.
My Mother’s Best Advice: Always Play It by Ear
Rich Pelley reflects on his mother’s mantra, “let’s play it by ear,” illustrating how spontaneous, flexible thinking shapes his personal life and relationships. He recounts anecdotes—from missed milk deliveries to unannounced Christmas visits—that highlight the value of adaptability over rigid...
My Mother’s Best Advice: Wear Bold, Bright Colours
Arifa Akbar recounts her mother’s lifelong advice to wear bold, bright colours, revealing how the practice evolved from teenage resistance to a deliberate mood‑boosting habit. The piece illustrates how colour choices serve as a daily self‑awareness tool, influencing emotional states...
Ryanair Insists We Failed to Board a Phantom Flight
A Ryanair flight from Bristol to Dublin was diverted to Manchester during Storm Amy, leaving passengers stranded for six hours without refreshments. Ryanair’s system logged the flight as having landed in Dublin, leading the airline to deny the passenger’s £240...