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Creativity as a Portal for Pain Management and Joy
When living with chronic pain or illness it is easy to think of all the things you cannot do, which only makes you feel worse. A powerful shift for me was looking at what I can do rather than what I cannot. This change of perspective and focus led to two incredible gifts: that of discovering the artist within me and the realization that while I am knee-deep in creativity my pain takes a back seat.
During one of my most frustrated times while navigating chronic hip pain, I kept falling into the trap of thinking about all the things I loved to do but could not. I love to play tennis but could not. I loved every minute I could get out on a hiking trail, but could not handle the pain that came with that.
When I began looking only to what I could do, the invitation to learn new things began popping up everywhere. Tops on the list was a lifelong desire to be able to draw and paint. Though I could not hike the trails, I discovered I could paint the great doors. I took a few classes and as an enthusiastic beginner I am now playing with all sorts of mediums and loving every minute of it. Hand in hand with the joy comes relief from pain each time I get into the creative flow. Now that is an immeasurable gift!
Here I am on the Green River while taking a fabulous workshop from acclaimed artist, William Jameson.
A Day on The Green
Pointillism is a bit like magic and so much fun.
A Welcome Mat Named Ziggy
Jay on a Limb
Maple on Watercolor
St Lucia
Carolina Marsh
I am a big believer in looking for the gifts that come in every difficult situation I face. This healing journey for me has been, and continues to be, very big. The gifts have been big as well!