January 29, 2025 - Find Strength Through the Arts

All of us, but especially those of us who deal with loneliness, bullying, physical and/or mental challenges, and the difficult things which come with life, need to be able to take time for ourselves to find strength and confidence. I wrote yesterday about doing this by spending time in Nature - today I want to encourage you to make time for the Arts as well. Of course "the Arts" includes art - painting, drawing, sculpting, etc. but it also includes spending time in art museums, art galleries, sculpture parks - anywhere you are able to be around and appreciate art.

Keep in mind, these types of art also include things like crochet, knitting, sewing, pottery, making jewelry, building things, and even writing - there are so many ways to express yourself with art - find something which you enjoy and make time to do it!

"The Arts" also include music - playing an instrument, singing, listening to music, writing music - all of these things are great ways to find strength and confidence - and are very enjoyable, too! 

I found another article from the Mayo Clinic which talks about how Art benefits us - you are able to find and read it at this link, but I want to share just a little of what they said - 

"The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine says making or even just seeing art can impact the brain. Whether it’s part of a creative arts therapy exercise, or something you experience in your everyday life, art can help:

• Increase serotonin levels.
• Increase blood flow to the part of the brain associated with pleasure.
• Foster new ways of thinking.
• Imagine a more hopeful future. 
• Help with overall well-being.
• Improve quality of life.
• Help with interpersonal relationships.
• Provide freedom of expression, when talking about thoughts and feelings is difficult.
• Build emotional resilience."

Find a way to express yourself and enjoy the Arts - it will help you become stronger and more confident!

Once again today I want to send you my virtual "hug" - You matter. You deserve to be loved and are loved - I love you! You make our world a better place - we need you in this world. I hope you have people around you who tell you these things, but if not, please let me be someone who does. Yes, I say this every day, but these words are true and will always be so. You will find the video at this link.