Finding Solace in Creativity: A 100-Day Journey of Art and Self-Expression

When you go through tough times, art helps

I don’t know about you, but whenever life hurls another challenge my way, I’m irresistibly drawn to pick up a notebook, a thick black Sharpie, or a finer pen and pour everything out through ink and lines. It’s like releasing whatever words or emotions are bottled up inside, one stroke at a time.

Some themes are familiar, recurring like old friends; others spring up unexpectedly and catch me off guard. Just 20 days ago, I began a 100-day art journey to ground and guide me forward. Some days, words spill onto the page alongside my drawings; other days, they’re silent yet speak volumes.

My hope is to inspire you to pick up a pen, pencil, or brush and let your creativity flow. Don’t wait for life’s dramas to nudge you. If you’re seeking peace, looking to find your creative voice, or simply want a break from the technology that’s ever-present in our lives, start now. Begin right where you are.

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Time and time again art saved my sanity, provided that safe space to take a break from reality, to enter a flow state and give my mind a break from stress, pain, trauma. Decided to start a 100 days paintings/drawings/collage projects sharing under “Art heals and empowers” umbrella. Feel free to join me. Day 1/100 - Frida and the blackbird

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Drawing - a great way to reignite your creativity and passion for writing.

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How do you relax? How do you rest before a big meeting or interview or any other such event? Write? Draw? Drawing helps me calm my nerves and reach a point of balance even if only for a few blessed minutes.

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Sometimes writing topics come to me while drawing .. with Diwali - the festival of light approaching, what a great opportunity to write about such an uplifting, full of colour event.

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Sometimes our cup is full and we need to let go of some steam .. writing is one way, drawing is another

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I felt the need to draw a bat! Never did it before and found myself researching the symbology of a bat in many cultures! The extensive version will be covered in a blog post but for now here are a few words. Bats remind us of the power of embracing change, the importance of intuition, and the resilience to thrive in difficult environments. For many, they symbolize a journey through darkness toward personal enlightenment or transformation. What can I say it is a time of challenges for me and darkness is a great description so it looks like the subconscious mind knows something! As always drawing intuitively is a fascinating process!

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If you've experienced narcissistic abuse from an early age, you may feel like you're constantly stuck in fight-or-flight mode, with your nervous system always on high alert—a burden that lingers like an unwanted ailment. Drawing can create a soothing bubble of calm, helping you find the strength to face each new day

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Blog post ideas … where do they come from? I’ve always been curious! Agatha Christie found inspiration while washing dishes, her muse whispering in those quiet moments. For me, ideas often come while I’m drawing or doodling! Yesterday, for instance, I was reflecting on good luck and the crispness of autumn, and suddenly, I found myself transported to my teenage years, riding a train through the mountains of Romania. That memory led me to dive deeper into chapter 4 of my autobiographical novel, “Naked Truth”, which recounts that very journey. It's funny how inspiration strikes at the most unexpected times!

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Every day for the next 100 days, I’m sharing a glimpse into my creative journey through daily posts in Notes. Join me, one day at a time, and let’s embrace creativity as a tool for resilience and connection.

One of my dreams is to write a novel, inspired by real events but with a touch of fiction in it. Will it happen? I don’t know! Writing as and when I find the energy and time while navigating the choppy waters of life.

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Start Martha’s story here