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.