A Creative Path to Healing
You often hear people say, “I’m no good at art- I don’t have that talent” or “I’m not very creative,” when you think about art and doing art.
However, there is no such thing as people that are creative or not creative. We all have this quality within us and we just need to find a way within ourselves to use it. According to Brene Brown, “Creativity is the expression of our originality...”
Feeling our emotions like sadness, anger, or anxiety can feel overwhelming on their own and articulating them to others can feel even more impossible. The process of simply creating something whether it be drawing, painting, collaging, crafting or writing in a journal or a blog such as this one, allows you to communicate feelings, thoughts, and experiences that are often difficult to put into words.
The beauty of creating is that it doesn’t require previous artistic skills or experience—it's about the process of creation, not the product. And we learn the most about ourselves through the process. For example, Bob Ross, a well-known TV artist, often used to say, “We don’t make mistakes, we make happy accidents,” which taught us that every decision we make in the process of our “creating” is an opportunity for growth and things in life are subject to change.
One of the many reasons I love to do art and create is the process alone gives me a sense of control when I feel most powerless as I get to decide what goes on the paper or canvas, and nobody can tell me differently. It has helped me to feel powerful or to even work out feelings that I’ve been holding inside with nowhere to go.
Here are a few tips for starting to engage in art at home:
Doodling: Grab a pen and paper, and just start making shapes or patterns. It’s surprisingly relaxing, and you can do it anywhere.
Coloring: Adult coloring books are popular for a reason—they’re an easy way to relax and tap into your creative side without feeling overwhelmed.
Visual Journal: Cut out pieces of an old magazine with words, quotes, and images that you find help you express your feelings.
Painting: Pick 3 colors and move the paintbrush on the paper to make a design of your choosing giving yourself 5-15 minutes to “free paint” as a form of art meditation.
Remember, the beauty of art is that it’s a deeply personal experience, and everyone’s creative journey looks different. Whether it’s through drawing, painting, journaling, or any other form, taking a few moments each day to express yourself creatively can bring powerful mental health benefits.
You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy these benefits—just take a deep breath, let your creativity flow, and see where it takes you!
"It’s not about being good at creativity, it’s about creativity being good for you." — Unknown