No doubt many of you have taken time to learn new skills during lock-down.

By necessity or choice. Call it a silver-lining in a really tough situation.

I just wanted to share with you one of my experiences.

My elderly father was complaining of his wild-looking, long hair after months of untamed growth.

As I’m caring for my parents during lock-down, there was no alternative for him but to turn to me for a haircut.

The professionals make it look easy. But I had never cut anyone’s hair before!

But what I do have in my favour is experience of watching the professionals cutting mine in the mirror. On many occasions, over many years.

Dad was nervous, and so was I. He doesn’t have a lot of hair now which made the task slightly easier.

So I got out the scissors and comb, took a deep breath and got started.

Progressing slowly, I shortened it in stages using the comb to help get an even length. And I made my best attempt at shaping it too.

I can tell you I was very relieved when I’d finished.

And most importantly of all, Dad liked it!

I’ve done it once again since. He’d obviously gained some confidence in my embryonic haircutting skills.

So what’s the lesson here?

If you don’t try something, you will never know if you can do it!

We are far more capable than we think. We just need to engage our curiosity and look for the opportunities.

And one other important thing.

I now realise how rarely I lived my younger years fully present in the moment. How much more would I have learned about hairdressing – and other inspiring things – if I had been?

You never know, given more practice and experience, I might just open my own hair salon!