“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” –Maya Angelou

In March the world got crazy. All of sudden my kids stopped going to school, my husband stopped going to work. My writing was vanquished by the demands of becoming a full-time teacher/nurse/counselor/entertainer/cheerleader…etc…etc. But really it was stress that killed my creativity. This year has been SO STRESSFUL.

Everyone’s world has been rocked. I didn’t adjust well at first. It was a blessing, I think, that shortly after quarantine started I was with my mom. She was taking a calligraphy class at the time, and she pulled out her new pen and inks. We sat down together and penned letters for hours. And as the swirls and lines filled up the pages, the anxiety flowed out of my body. I was hooked. For a few week there, I couldn’t stop. I was an addict in need of that release, that sigh that came as soon as I picked up the pen. Then I pulled out a watercolor set, and that was even more of a delight to me.

As I drew circles and squares, dots and lines (that’s all I know how to do so far) I started to think about about my stories again. The mind blocks started crumbling, and the words started flowing again!! It’s a weird thing to me to love painting so much. I’m not an “artist”. I’m not “good” at any of this, and I’ve never been interested before, but now I don’t want to stop. It’s been such a powerfully wonderful thing for me. I’ve done some research and apparently I’m not alone in my experience with art. The articles I’ve found on the benefits of doing art are astounding, saying things like…

Art reduces stress.

Art increases creativity.

Art has healing effects on the brain, increasing neuroplasticity and health of the motor cortex. Art stimulates both hemispheres of the brain at the same time. Also, apparently the “daydreaming” part of the brain is activated–pretty sure that’s my favorite part of the brain. LOL.

Art improves critical thinking and empathy.

Art reduces depression, pain, and doctor visits!

And the great news is you can enjoy a lot of these benefits by just VIEWING art. So rad.

So pull out your crayons or look through your coffee table Monet book, but whatever you do. Enjoy some art!

xoxo, Mary