How Pottery Helped Me Step Outside My Ageist Box

I’ve always been a creature of habit. I love routine, predictability, and the familiar. But as I turned 60, I realized that comfort was becoming a bit too comfortable. I was stuck in a rut, living life on autopilot. It was time for a change.

So, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and try something new. I signed up for a pottery class, expecting to find a group of bored, elderly people like me who were only there because they had nothing better to do. I had made a wrong assumption based on my preconceived notions about ageing and maybe creativity, too.

When I arrived at the pottery studio, I was surprised to find a diverse group of people of all ages, including several young adults. There were people from all walks of life, all united by a shared passion for creating. It was a far cry from the image I had in my mind. I realized that I had been carrying an inner ageism, believing that older people were somehow less capable or creative than younger people.

This was a harmful stereotype, and I was ashamed to admit that I had fallen victim to it.

The Pottery Class

As I began to interact with the other students, I realized that there were many excuses I had invented to avoid trying new things. I told myself that I wasn’t creative, that I didn’t have the time, or that I wasn’t good enough. These were all just excuses to avoid stepping outside my comfort zone.

The pottery class helped me to overcome these self-limiting beliefs. I discovered that creativity is not just for young people and that anyone can learn new skills if they are willing to put in the effort. I also learned that time is a precious resource and that it’s important to make the most of it by trying new things and challenging ourselves.

I have to admit, the first class was a disaster. I couldn’t get the hang of the wheel, my hands were a mess, and my pottery attempts were more like blobs of clay. I felt discouraged and wanted to quit. I remember looking around the class and seeing other students who seemed to have a natural talent for pottery. I felt like a complete failure.

But I pushed through, determined to prove to myself that I could do it. I asked the instructor for extra help, and she patiently guided me through the basics. I practised at home, even though my attempts were often messy and frustrating.

There were many times when I wanted to give up. I’d look at my pottery and feel like it was a waste of time. However, I reminded myself that learning a new skill takes time and practice. I also remembered the feeling of accomplishment I had when I finally created something that I was proud of.

Stepping out of my comfort zone

With each class, I became more confident and skilled. I learned how to centre the clay, shape it into bowls and vases, and even add intricate designs. It was a slow process, but it was incredibly rewarding. Through pottery, I discovered a new passion and a sense of accomplishment I hadn’t felt in years. 

 It’s been a transformative experience that has enriched my life in countless ways. I’ve learned that fear is a barrier, but it’s essential to overcome it to seize opportunities and it’s never too late to try something new. So, the next time you find yourself hesitating to try something new, remember that age doesn’t limit personal growth, it’s a catalyst for wisdom and experience.