Self care and healing

By Lori D. Bowers

 A warm welcome to you from Crows Chase Cottage. After debating whether to write today, I decided to put fingers to keyboard and attempt a few paragraphs. Today finds me fighting illness, having felt quite unwell over the last few days. I have been gradually getting worse and think today might be the pinnacle. Hopefully, with rest, some medication, and many cups of hot tea I will soon feel well enough for my normal routine. 

My spouse found it amusing that one of my descriptions of how I felt included 'a head full of painful, pressurized, fuzzy soup with a fever on top'. I must admit that even in my poorly state, that amuses me as well. 

It has been difficult mentally and emotionally though. With so many projects waiting to be completed, my initial reaction was to get up and do. But that was reconsidered rather quickly once I began to gather basic supplies. My body and my brain both yelled at me, 'not going to happen right now'! 😴


As a creator it is so difficult to fight that urge to ignore how horrid you feel. But it is Ok to take self care seriously. The stress of worrying about incomplete projects will only make the body slower to heal. The art will be there when your body and mind have recovered. I realize that trying to create when ones energy level is on empty, will only bring about dissatisfaction. It is so difficult to create when we are not 'whole'. Don't be afraid to let things go while your body and spirit recover. Yes, I struggle with that urge and restlessness also. However, the more we struggle with ourselves, the longer it will take for recovery to occur. 

I had some lovely advice from some fellow artists. When unable to create, whether due to bad illness or even a lack of motivation, seek other ways to feed your spirit. Read inspirational materials, watch videos on YouTube that offer creative ideas you might not have thought about attempting. Take notes, keep a creators journal, or a commonplace book. These actions keep you connected to your passion but require very little energy. Let your main use of energy and focus be on recovery but keep that inspiration in your sphere as a beacon for when you are ready to return. 

I realize each person recovers from illness differently, but it is my belief that caring for our spirit during that time is crucial. In doing that, we will be complete upon returning to our creative endeavors. 

In closing, I wish you all a beautiful and creative week. With autumn approaching, may the days grow crisp and the landscapes grow bold in color. And now.....time for a brilliant cup of tea. If tea can revive the TARDIS, surely it can revive my spirit as well. 😉 May you be well, physically and in spirit. With kindest regards, from the cottage at Crows Chase.



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