The plan for this blog was for me to talk to you about art supplies, how to pull together a small toolkit that you can take with you on the go.

And then this week things changed.

The overwhelming sadness, shock and devastation that is presented on every channel has made everything that little bit harder – have you felt the same?

The pandemic was difficult, locking ourselves away and missing that connection with people. But, overall, having to isolate meant that we had an opportunity to pick up the paints, read more and indulge our creative self. We allowed ourselves to enjoy these past times.

In this past week I have been working on my “The 100 Day Project” and as I work, I can feel the joy. Letting go and finding my flow just to create releases the tension and I can feel myself smiling. Then comes the guilt. Should I be feeling joy when there are people who have had their world torn apart?

Here’s the thing…

Deep down, I know that the answer is yes. It is perfectly right for me to experience joy, to love what I am doing and to feel happy.

Members of my online community know how much I adore Brene Brown (she is amazing!) and, scrolling through her Insta channel I saw this quote…

“I will never apologize for embracing joy and beauty – even when the world is falling apart – because joy and beauty are my fuel for activism.” Karen Walrond, The Lightmaker’s Manifesto

It was taken from her podcast with Karen, so I popped the headphones in and listened. The timing of this podcast was perfect. This episode, Accessing Joy and Finding Connection in the Midst of Struggle, highlights that we need to embrace looking after ourselves in order to help others. We need self-care in order to care for others. This is so true!

You can take a listen to the podcast here.

Self-care and art

Even if you are not an “artist”, having a creative outlet can help you to put feelings onto paper. To relax and feel connected. To experience joy.

If you want to explore how to get started and answer your creative calling, take a look at my online class Dare to Play. My ultimate goal with this class is that you will find a way to just start, to dare, to begin, be inspired, to play – and most importantly to give yourself permission to find joy and nourish your soul.

You can find out more about Dare to Play here.

Online Class: Dare to Play

Would you like to feel inspired, energised and excited to start creating?

Would you like to learn to create in a fun and relaxed way?

Then this is the class for you!

Dare to Play is your step-by-step guide to getting started when you do not have the inspiration to start or when you get stuck.