I often get caught up in the routine of daily life, where time seems to slip away. Focusing on one day at a time helps me stay grounded, but it's also important to pause, check in, and see where we are on our journey. It’s like walking down a path, carefully watching my steps so I don’t stumble, but missing the beautiful views around me.

For over two years, I’ve been focused on healing my back injury and managing chronic pain. I needed to be mindful of every step, quite literally. But now, I’ve turned a corner. I can take deeper breaths, and for the first time in a while, I’m looking up and around, not just at my feet. I feel present in the here and now.

I’m taking deeper breaths.
I’m pausing more to assess where I am.
I’m trying new things and rediscovering pleasure and excitement.
I feel more capable and empowered.

It’s been a long journey with many valuable lessons. One of the things I’ve been craving is creativity and art-making. During my injury, I shifted away from traditional art forms like collage, my favorite medium, as I couldn’t sit comfortably for long periods. I also felt less inspired to create lasting marks on the page. But I found other ways to stay creative.

While resting, I found creative ways to entertain myself, from decorating our new home to imagining new layouts and possibilities. Although I haven’t completed most of these projects, the joy was in the creative process—the imagining of what’s possible.

Looking back, I’m proud of how I’ve maintained a positive outlook through the ups and downs of my recovery. I’ve been kind to my body as it shifted and softened, focusing on how I felt rather than how I looked. I bought new, larger clothes to accommodate my changing body, and in the process, I got creative with fashion, exploring styles I never would have before. There were some hits and misses, but I embraced the journey of discovering what feels good and what I love to wear.

My body told me what it needed, and I listened.

For instance, with my injury located in my lower back, I had to avoid any clothing that pressed against that area. As a result, I moved to looser, higher-waisted bottoms that allowed my body to breathe and move freely. By listening to my body and getting creative with my wardrobe, I found a way to stay positive and keep moving forward—literally and figuratively.

This first phase of healing was about turning inward and taking up space within my body and environment. Now, I’m entering a new phase. I’m ready to expand outward, beyond my body, and embrace movement, adventure, and creativity once again.

I’ve started taking art classes, leaning back into creating with my hands. I’m embracing the messiness of it and stepping away from perfectionism. I’m taking up new space—physically, emotionally, and creatively. I’ve begun figure drawing and oil painting, with the support of friends who inspire me along the way.

Throughout this journey, two things have remained constant: self-compassion and creativity. These have been my anchors, helping me support my mental health and find value in the healing process.

If you're looking for ways to integrate more creativity into your life, you may already be doing it without realizing it. Creativity doesn’t always mean traditional art—it could be in the way you bake, decorate your home, or even problem-solve at work. Whatever form it takes, creative expression can be a powerful tool for emotional healing and self-discovery.

As I return to traditional art-making, like figure drawing and oil painting, I’m excited to rediscover the joy of creating something tangible. Through this process, I’m reminded that creativity isn’t about perfection—it’s about exploration, self-expression, and connection to the present moment.

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Until next time,
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- Bethany