The Importance of Creating

I hope everyone had a lovely Valentine’s Weekend! My husband and I spent the day before Valentine’s on a hiking date (without kids!) which was so amazing. The hiking and the quiet! We literally saw no one else. It was fantastic!

Sunday morning my daughter decided she wanted to test out the watercolors she received as a Valentine from her cousins, so we busted out the paper and had at it. I don’t normally partake in the art making as I am not skilled in that area AT ALL, but I had the urge to pick up a brush.

Now, I’m not joking when I say I have very little experience in your average art endeavors, but I have watercolored before and do think that watercolors are fun and fairly forgiving. And when you are painting next to a 4 year old it’s not so daunting. I found a fun tutorial on floral watercolor and decided to go for it. It definitely took me a little while to get into the groove of things, but I found it completely relaxing! Even a day later I am still thinking of how satisfying it was to create something, imperfections and all.

Isla’s Girl Playing in Puddles

My fun attempt at floral watercolor

I was curious as to why I was feeling so good about my little venture into paint, so I did an internet search. Did you know there is actually research that shows creating art activates the reward center of your brain, lowers stress, helps you focus deeply, and even helps you imagine a more hopeful future? I found this really interesting article about it! No wonder I am feeling so good!

This week I would like to encourage you to engage in a creative activity whether it be painting, drawing, coloring, sculpting with playdough, or decorating a cake. Find some time to do this small thing for yourself, and see for yourself how amazing it makes you feel. Perhaps you will find yourself imagining a better future for yourself… Lord knows we could all use that!

Until next time, hugs and brushes!

A peek at our Valentine’s date hike to Blue Hole!