Colouring Outside the Lines

I’ve never liked colouring in. I know all children are supposed to enjoy it; I didn’t. I know that some adults enjoy it; please don’t ask me to join you. I still find it boring, mindless and pointless.

I know that colouring books are good for children to practice fine motor control, that encouraging  accuracy, staying inside the lines, keeping to the rules is good…

‘Colouring outside the lines’ is an phrase that implies nonconformity, the unconventional… not limited by traditional boundaries or rules… thinking creatively, exploring new possibilities and ideas.

The Paris Paralympics start today. Yesterday’s news told of Suzanna Hext. Born with a hearing impairment, Suzanna was a promising young horse rider. In 2012, aged twenty-three, she broke her pelvis, spinal cord, shoulder and suffered a brain injury in a freak riding accident.

Paralysed from the waist down and profoundly deaf, Suzanna’s now a world championship swimmer… Following a rule change she’s permitted to wear her cochlear implants during her race. She ‘can’t wait’ to hear the crowds for the first time…

Hundred-and-two-year-old Manette Baillie has featured on local news. She’s the oldest skydiver in Britain, after jumping out of a plane at Beccles Airfield to celebrate her birthday. Previously she’s taken on other daring challenges including driving around Silverstone in a Ferrari at 130mph for her hundredth birthday…

In 1888 fifteen year old Thérèse Martin left home to become a nun. Her example challenges current teenage materialistic norms. Her writings, before dying, aged twenty-four from tuberculosis, are never safe or easy. For example:

‘Agree to stumble at every step, even to fall, to carry your crosses weakly; love your helplessness, your soul will benefit more from it than if, sustained by grace, you will accomplish with enthusiasm heroic actions which would fill your soul with personal satisfaction and pride.’

Suzanna, Manette, Thérèse refuse to be defined by their disabilities, age, or traditional religion. Despite the guide-lines of culture, social norms and expectations, they’re colouring outside their boxes with confidence and determination.