It was Jan 2, 2024. I was in beautiful Albany, Western Australia, that stunning coastal town I go to replenish, rest, restore and write. It seemed a perfect way to start the year. Staying in a beautiful home of a kind friend on Goode Beach, the view was so gorgeous it lifted my heart just waking up to it each day. And then there was the prospect of sitting and working in the beautiful Albany Library, which always fills me with unrealistic ideas of what I can accomplish. (I was armed with ten books, a bunch of my journals, my laptop, even the unfiled papers that are perennially in piles on my desk, which were all going to get magically sorted.)
I love the first few days of any year. They are so full of promise and possibility. Everything can be renewed and re-imagined. Of course we can do that at any time of the year, but those last few days of the old year, and the first few days of the new one are particularly sweet.
So, I set off from Goode Beach to the library that morning at 10am with a sense of gentle anticipation, feeling very much at peace with the world.
Nine minutes into the twenty-minute drive, a thought popped into my head, “Gosh, everything in this life can change in an instant… Literally in an instant.” Immediately, I started to imagine all the (not nice) ways that could happen … and then I stopped myself, deciding instead to say a prayer for my protection. I kept repeating that prayer, and when I was on my fifth round, a very, very large kangaroo suddenly appeared directly in front of me.
***
Collisions with kangaroos on country roads in Australia are quite common and can cause significant injury. Lots of kangaroos die this way, and sometimes, so do humans. My late husband Greg had drummed it into me for years – when driving in the early morning or late afternoon, be watchful for ‘roos’ cos that’s when they are active. If you swerve, your tyres will hit gravel and your car could roll. Or the car could collide into oncoming traffic. Either could be fatal. So, if you see a roo, brake hard, don’t swerve.
Now, at 10am, you don’t expect to see kangaroos. And in forty years of driving, I’ve never had to put his advice into practice. So I had no idea if I’d remember not to swerve.
***
“BRAKE! DON’T SWERVE!”
I heard Greg’s words in my head as the magnificent animal appeared at my bonnet. I did. Against every fibre of my being, I hit it.
Needless to say, it took me awhile to recover from that experience. I hated knowing that I had probably fatally injured a beautiful wild creature. But I was so, so glad that all that was damaged in my world was my windscreen and bonnet.
Not swerving may have saved my life.
Being a metaphor-aholic, I wonder if this event holds a bigger lesson for me? Without a doubt, 2024 is going to be a year of big changes in my life, some planned, some un-planned. I know this because if there’s one guarantee in life, it’s this: Everything changes. And the other guarantee is that some of the encounters I will have with Life will be difficult, and I’ll feel like ‘swerving to avoid them’. So I’m going to remind myself to ‘Brake, but don’t swerve.’
***
Getting older, (while a privilege denied to many including my lovely husband Greg), is not easy. Each step seems to require more effort, especially first thing in the morning. And these days, everything in my body seems to be more responsive to gravity – butt, boobs, face. I have jowls now, and I barely knew what jowls were ten years ago!
But with that slowing down, I’m also noticing the beautiful energy and promise of the precious youthful people in my life much more. And there is a deepening of gratitude for the lessons of my own journey, for the art, the challenges, the friends, the students, the support of family, the loveliness of dogs.
A wise bear once said, “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem” and if it worked for Winnie-the-Pooh, maybe it applies to all of us.
So … hello 2024. I crashed right into you and I survived. I’m taking that as a good sign!
May we all slow down, (not swerve), and face our lives full on, no matter what.
With love,
Malini
PS My live, in-person workshops held in my lovely Perth hills studio have commenced. If you’re thinking of visiting your long-ignored creative self, or renewing an old relationship with it, do check out what’s on offer. We got off to a lovely start on the weekend, with this sweet feedback from a student, “the whole process allowed for so much freedom to play, take risks, feel into our heart… Thoroughly recommend Malini’s classes, she is wonderfully kind, skillful and encouraging teacher.” Thank you Kylie! check out what’s on offer here: My upcoming classes for beginners and dabblers.
PPS As many of you know, I held my 14th solo exhibition last October, and I got to meet so many of you in person. I also had the privilege of being interviewed on my journey from science to art, and some of the wobbly things that occurred along the way A few days ago, I received the beautifully edited video from that interview. Having had no control over the final product, I watched rather nervously, remembering, how very, very fatigued I was, and that my teeth were weirdly chattering as I was speaking at times! I was delighted that my forty-minute verbal meander in real life had been skillfully edited down to just TEN minutes, and I even sound vaguely coherent, with no chattering teeth in sight! I’d love you to watch it and let me know what you think. You might be able to relate to some of my story, as we all share such parallel journeys even if the actual circumstances are different. It’s called THANKFUL in ADVERSITY.
PPS If you’d like to leave a little reply or comment, scroll down, I’d love to hear from you!
Comments 31
Malini,
you are so wonderful. I love your video and your story of the kangaroo.
To look at adversity and laugh at the situations (eventually) and grow from every advent is truly something amazing.
love Chris
Author
Hello Chris,
that is a very kind takeaway from my story … and I thank you. I agree, laughing at the challenges of life is helpful (when one can, perhaps not immediately as that might look a bit insane!).
And whilst there are plenty of times in life when swerving is the best response, I’m using this event as a way to remind me to slow down when needed but also to accept ALL life offers. I’m ever so good at swerving, haha!!
(and I’m so glad you enjoyed the video! Pls share it with anyone you think it may resonate. We all share parallel journeys…)
much love and thanks xx
It’s a kangaroo life but what a way to start the year with a bang but by braking hard you not only saved your life but probably saved the roo’s life as well and from a metaphorical sense your own pauses in life could also save someone else’s
Happy 2024 Malini
Author
Thank you for sharing that, and it’s very true, Naren.
Malini, you’re absolutely right. The past two years have just been unrelenting challenges and heartbreak for my family and I, but there is no way around it. We must make the journey through it – slowly. There’s no point avoiding the inevitable. Glad that you’re okay. I can’t wait to do my next art course with you! x
Author
Hi Natalie, I am truly sorry to hear this, but there are times in life when heartbreak is just inevitable. My heart goes out to you my dear. And I would love to see you in a workshop again soon! take care and may this year have more ease and joy for you and your family. xx
Hi Malini, thank you for sharing your artistic journey of adversity & joy with us. I found your video extremely inspiring. I watched it with gratitude and recognition of the artistic journey, all so familiar within us. You expressed yourself eloquently, and definitely no signs of chattering teeth that you spoke of in your blog
Hope to see you at your next exhibition or classes.
Ruth
Author
I am forever grateful to Sam Irwin who interviewed me and put that video together minus the dodgy bits 🙂 And thank you Ruth for your kind words. I am so glad it resonated with you. Much love and all the best for this new year ahead, and thank you so much for your support. xx
Thank you Malini for your honesty & insight. I have my faith and your video & message re crashing into 2024 can apply to myself and many no matter what faith you believe in or even if you don’t have a particular faith.
I know I am glad to see the back of 2023 because of many sad things and looking forward to 2024.
It was your beginners course a number of years ago that I did that gave me the desire to do art. I am very much still a novice and very average but it does give me pleasure . So thank you for your inspiration.
Author
I am very honoured that you came to my art workshop so many years ago, and are still making art. We are ALL novices, really, but if it gives us pleasure, it is doing it’s job. Someone once said, “Making art is a gesture of hope” and I believe that strongly.
I am sorry that 2023 was a year of challenges. It was that way for many of us. I wish you a year of greater ease, Margaret.
Much love and best wishes for 2024 x
Slow down, don’t swerve. I knew it about kangaroos, but now I’m going to try to apply it in my life too! And I loved your video—absolutely contributed to my decision to give myself permission and space to lean into my creativity this year!
Author
I think the world will be a far better place with more of your art in it Carmel! It’s exquisite! And thank you for your kind words xx
Wow Mal! Not did you remember and follow advice from decades ago, you’ve managed to turn it into a brilliant life lesson.
Author
Perhaps he is watching over me after all … and helped me remember! (cos I seem to be excellent at forgetting most things!!)
Amazing that you had those thoughts in your awareness at that particular time.
True testament to the guidance of your angels
Author
It would be nice to think so! Or one angel in particular, the hairy-faced guy 🙂
Beautiful life lessons and a very joyful and touching video…
So proud of you !
Author
Thank you Zar, I appreciate that you found it joyful! So many life lessons abound, even the strangest encounters. xx
Everything can change in an instant! So true! Everyone should remember this all the time… helps us to be grateful at every moment. Love everything you write, Malini. Always something to learn.
Author
I’m trying to remember it too, along with gratitude. So easy to forget. Thank you for your very kind words xx
Inspiring as always! Thank you for sharing the insights and wisdom you gain in your life with the rest of us, it makes us all stronger and better able to cope with life!
Author
Aww, that very kind. Your existence makes me better cope with life 🙂 xx
Entertaining and insightful as always! Great read. Thanks Malini.
Author
I appreciate that, thank you Wing!
Malini
I love your story about t kangaroo. Just before t moment, you prayed… The power of prayers! And immediately u remembered what Greg told u.. Brake! Do not swerve.
God was with you.
Author
Indeed! xx
Malini you are a soul who fills hearts with love, strength and gratitude. I had the privilege of experiencing one of your creative classes in Perth hills and it opened up so many channels within me. Including a book- a chapter dedicated to you!.
Am sure you are recovering from your experience of braking hard but as you mentioned in every trial there is a hidden blessing.
Love to read your blog.
Sending love
Aparna
Author
You are a sweetheart, and thank you for that honour of being remembered in your book. I appreciate your warmth and kindness xx
We’ve all come a long way, physically and spiritualy since Fiji. Braking, accelarating, swerving, and drifting through this ephemeral life.
You’re doing amazing things with your life – it is a joy to behold.
Much Love, Bryn
Author
Aaah… Fiji… that was a lifetime ago! While I don’t know what you’re doing with your life, Bryn, it is very kind of you to stay in touch after all these years, and I hope you are happy.
I agree with Carmel, I’m gonna try to slow down not swerve. & As I get older & am experiencing all the things you mention Mal about this aging process I really appreciate you mentioning all the stuff that happens as I joyfully desend into decrepitude