We don't have to be artists, authors, or silversmiths to explore the joys and benefits of creativity in recovery. Creativity is about applying ideas and effort to create something new; it's about enhancing expression.
Others in my life are incredibly creative quilters, cooks, jewelers, musicians, and artists in many other realms. I still struggle to refer to myself as creative outside of my writing, but over my years in recovery, I have expended considerable effort on things like beading, knitting, crocheting, adult coloring, and a touch of interior design.
Above all else, my own creative outlets are integral pieces of my mindfulness practice, but they also connect me to creatives in my past and present. The click of knitting needles calls in memories of my mom and grandmother.
Today, beading with a group of women grounds me and brings me joy, as most of the bracelets I create are for other women in recovery. Recovery is all about exploring what brings us joy.
What are your creative outlets? Creativity allows us to take care of and express ourselves in new and illuminating ways.