Tag Archives: creativity to cope

    When Words Heal

    Today I am using words to help my soul. In my last post, I discussed using creativity to heal and express yourself. I also mentioned that I am going through the aftermath of a major loss. For the first time, I feel I am ready to share some of that.

    I lost my husband on June 8th this year to ALS. It was a very dramatic loss because his diagnosis came 4 days before he passed. You wonder why? He tried to get an appointment with a neurologist for almost 2 years with no result until he couldn't walk anymore and we decided to seek help at San Francisco Spine Center. He got an appointment but it was too late for him because he died before that. I became his sole caretaker starting Thanksgiving last year (when he couldn't walk anymore) and had to do everything for him. Things, you do not even think about when you are healthy. As he lost his strength to get with my help from the recliner into the wheelchair I had to call 911 and in the hospital, he got his diagnosis. 4 days later he left me with respiratory failure due to ALS.

    I don't have family in my town and because my life has been consumed with taking care of him, worrying, fears, and anxiety I became very isolated. I don't have children (a son or daughter would come in real handy now) and I dealt with that all by myself.

    I listened to many videos about being a widow, joined groups, and read articles ... and it didn't help. They all tell you what to do and what not to do. I used to be a recovery coach working with partners of alcoholics. It is funny, I did precisely the same thing even though I grew up with a drinking father. We are so quick to tell others what to do. I know it is well meant but if somebody tells me once more I have to go out and socialize I start to yell. It has been a few months since I lost him. The pain isn't so raw anymore and most of the time I can talk about it without bursting into tears. That is easier but the emptiness in my heart is still there. My purpose is gone and the reason why I came to this country, too. It was all for him. 

    I am engulfing myself in my paints and writing to find peace again. Maybe my words will help another widow (what a strange word in my vocabulary) who is going through the same. It feels weird to share this so publicly but it feels like he keeps living through me and my words.

    I don't know if I share more about all this. However, if you think it has value please give this post a like to let me know.

    Thank you for listening to my heart.

    Christina

     

     

    Categories: Art Writing

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    Art As A Tool

    Art is an amazing tool that helps the soul to heal. I know from personal experience. It guided me through so many dark hours. Creativity is a wonderful way to cope with challenges. It gives you an instrument to express your feelings.

    I paint but you can use any material that appeals to you (clay, digital media, etc.). It is super important to understand that you must let go of self-critique. Judging is a big no-no if you use creativity to deal with pain.

    When I work on a painting I usually don't know the "why". I act on impulse. That means I see something I can't let go of until I know what I want to do with it. Not all my paintings are masterpieces. Some paintings I just keep in a special place even if they aren’t super cool because they have a special meaning to me.

    Below you find the benefits of using art to cope and heal your heart:

    • Express feelings and thoughts
    • Reduce distress and conflict
    • Relieve depression and anxiety
    • Cope with pain
    • Sharpen your self-awareness and improve your self-esteem
    • Enhance social skills

    It works, I am living proof! I am coping with a life-changing major loss that shook up my whole being. Now I begin to paint again and use words to express myself. The painting I am working on clearly deals with my loss which initially was not my intention. I saw something that stirred deeply in my soul and only now do I see that it expresses how I feel.

    Are you going through a challenging time? Try using creativity without self-judgment and criticism. Don't push yourself too hard. Take your time. Baby steps are a good start.

    Get active to feel better about your situation and your life. Most of us have lots more living to do and finding a little slice of happiness is key to moving onward.

    Christina

    Categories: Art Painting Writing

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