Today was hot, so I’m not one for baking outside. This is the type of day when you just want to relax.
I was thinking about my cat Dusty and fond memories of the past. Even though it has been a few years, I still find myself getting emotional once in a while, but now I smile much more than cry.
Part of healing is taking care of yourself and finding things in life that make you smile. So today, I decided to create some art. I had a few extra canvases in my closet and some acrylic paint from Michael’s, so I figured let’s get painting!
Childhood memories
When I was a kid growing up, I loved three things; stuffed animals, kittens, and art.
In one of my previous posts about 10 easy ways to add joy in your life, I mentioned my love of anything creative.
Today I used a little inspiration from my own experiences and went from there.
Here are just a few paintings I did today that challenged me yet made me focus on the art and not the pain of grief. I enjoy art and painting because it takes me back to being a kid where you don’t have a care in the world, just your imagination and your paintbrush.
I’m Still Here
Cat Angel
Express Yourself.
So regardless if you are dealing with grief or just looking for another outlet to express yourself and have fun, art is an excellent release and a creative avenue to challenge yourself and bring joy in the process.
You can paint in the comfort of your own home, or if you want to get out of the house and join friends, you can join a Paint Nite class with an instructor in a group setting.
If you have never heard of Paint Nite, check out the details here. (Note: Paint Nite is for those 21+years and older as these events do serve alcohol.)
If you prefer an alternative, you can find similar events in your neighborhood through other mediums like Living Social. Other fun activities to explore can include ceramics, drawing, escape room adventures, and comedy, to name a few.
Final Thoughts
I am a firm believer in the power of art. Trying different art mediums are alternative ways people can benefit from healing or changing their lives. The process of healing is just that a process.
So try to find different ways to find fun each day and bring that smile back.
What are some activities you enjoy? When was the last time you took a moment to rekindle your childhood passion?
Comment and share your favorite pastime below.
39 Comments
THE DOMINICAN
I always love to listen to MUSIC. As a child and as an adult, it has always pick up my spirit….Music is the universal language of HAPPY!!!
Kamira
THE DOMINICAN,
Yes indeed! Music touches the soul! 🙂
Dad
Dear Kamira,
This is Dad. Dorie shared your post with us, and I thought it was fabulous. I thought it was very well constructed (much better than I could do at this time), insightful, motivating, and inspiring. And much more than that I think you have responded to God’s calling for your life which many people fail to do. You have knowingly or unknowingly discovered the way to fill the void in your life that the passing of Dusty has caused.
You are in a good place now, because you are doing what God wants you to do. You are taking yourself out of the equation and are reaching out and touching people. You are the Barnabas spoken of in the Bible who was an encourager. So I say as it says in the Bible, “Well done, O good and faithful servant.” You are serving God as Jesus perfectly pleased Him in thought, purpose and action. I am so proud of you.
Much Love,
Dad
NP
Nuwan and I loved this piece and the art! I’ve been apprehensive about to starting a new project that involves free hand drawing and this helped me just jump in and get started 😀
Kamira
NP,
Thank you and I’m glad this post motivated you to give free hand drawing a try. Explore other facets of your creativity. 🙂 You only live once.
Hindy Pearson
You’re so talented!! Beautiful paintings and yes working with your hands to create does have healing properties. It’s wonderful to get to a place where, although we miss our pets and still cry over their loss, it’s possible to smile at their memory.
Kamira Gayle
Absolutely Hindy! Thanks for the kind words. 🙂
kelly
It’s important to have an outlet that lets us get away from it all and relax us. I have always enjoyed reading, gardening and of course being with my pets.
Kamira Gayle
Agree! Yes, snuggling with our pets is the Best!
Amy Shojai, CABC
I’ve found that creating something feeds the “muse” in a variety of ways. Mostly, I write. But I also create with stained glass, or do wood carvings, or sing, or ….and all of these creative endeavors feed the soul and enhance the other creative portions of my life. It is healing on multiple levels.
Kamira Gayle
Well said Amy!
Nichole
Such talent! Art and hobbies truly help us heal, that’s for sure!
Lola The Rescued Cat
Your paintings are beautiful! I participated in a
Paint Nite once and loved it! I need to tap into a creative outlet more.
Kamira Gayle
Thank you! Tapping into your creative side is awesome. Sometimes I wonder “What took me so long to try this?” LOL
Heather
Thank you for sharing. It is so important to have an outlet for your emotions. For me, it’s writing. Painting would just cause me frustration because I’m not good at it. But no matter the medium, I think it is so important to express yourself.
Kamira Gayle
So true Heather. Do whatever works for you!
Dash Kitten Crew
Art in any form can make you feel better – it can make a difference. Someone advised me to to a picture of Dash after he was killed three years ago. Maybe I need to do that – I bought a 20×30 canvas last week, maybe I should start.
Kamira Gayle
Absolutely! So sorry about Dash. 🙁
Tonya Wilhelm
Wow. You are very talented. I admire people who are artistic and can draw or paint. Lovely colors too.
Kamira Gayle
Thank you!
Dear Mishu
These are beautiful. I love that ” the process of healing is just that, a process” Well said!
Kamira Gayle
Thank you Mishu!
Sonja
My art is writing. My kids books. The entire process as hugely complicated as it is … and the money loss…t he time…. the whole process…. but yes to create something and then put it out into the world. It’s … something.
Kamira Gayle
Nice!
Debbie Bailey
Art is such an amazing way to express your thoughts and emotions. I, personally, used to write to get things off of my chest. In a notebook, to no one but myself… mostly poems and short stories. Creativity comes in so many forms. There is truly something for everyone.
Kamira Gayle
Great point Debbie! There are many lovely poems that definitely helped in the grieving process. Journaling is a great way to not only release feelings but express creativity.
Beth
I am happy that you have found a way to move forward and bring happiness into your life. We all grieve differently, but I think it is important to see other people moving forward to know it can be done!
Kamira Gayle
Thanks Beth! I hope that by sharing my story and experience, other grieving pet parents know they aren’t alone and can find some way to move forward after such a devastating loss.
Holly Montgomery
I love your art! I recently attended my first Paint Nite and had so much fun. I actually didn’t realize how well I could paint! Ok, it was average, but still fun!
Kamira Gayle
Hi Holly,
Thanks so much. I loved art as a child and lost touch with it. Fast forward many years later, just like you, I attended a paint nite class. It was like riding a bike. My passion was reignited. I love it and have been hooked ever since!
Sweet Purrfections
I used to work with arts and crafts several years ago, but once I earned a Ph.D. and worked in very stressful and time consuming jobs, the arts faded into the background. Now that I’m retired, I hope to get back into it. I’m also a musician, so I’m enjoying getting back to playing the piano.
Cathy Armato
These look really nice! I particularly like the first one with the birds, it’s very soothing. I’m not an artist in any way, but I do love crafts. Being creative can definitely be therapeutic.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Kamira Gayle
Thank you!
The Daily Pip
I agree with you about the healing power of art and the creative process in general – especially when it comes to grief and loss. Also, love the idea of exploring childhood passions. Mine were very similar to yours.
Kamira Gayle
🙂
Dolly the Doxie
We had the same three loves when we were little! Although I don’t paint like I want to I agree with how creativity helps over come loss. That’s what writing does for me now more than art, but I know how you feel when you’re sad and that’s what always stirs my creativity, painting or writing. Great post.
Kamira Gayle
Thank you Dolly!
Talent Hounds
Beautiful paintings and how wonderful that art helps you with healing. I think pets and many forms of art and expression can help. We are doing a documentary called Music Rescues – country music and dogs are helping a woman heal from the loss of her sister and she and some country stars are helping dogs in need.
Kamira Gayle
Thank you! I love that combination music and dogs to help heal the pain.