Seven years we gave birth to our second child and seven years ago our world was turned upside down. She was born with trisomy 21 (Downs Syndrome) and we had no idea what to expect going forward. What would it mean for our careers, her future, relationships, would/should we have more children. One big fear I had was that we would NEVER be to go camping again.

I’ve been reflecting lately about art and my life and have come to realise how integral art and creativity has been in my carers journey. So here is a collection of some of the things that I have found helpful in the past seven years.

1. Igniting my own creativity

I have always been a highly creative person. To draw or paint is as natural as breathing. I had no idea how important that would be when I became a carer. You see, it is so easy to loose your identity to the role of the carer. I remember those early days facing an onslaught of new and important information, appointment after appointment, and navigating a new world of disabilities. For me, creative ventures was a way to connect to the person I was, and foster who I was becoming. My art changed. I made more books, and loose sketches. Smaller things that could fit into the cracks of a busier life. Being creating allowed space to reconnect with myself and I think it helped prevent burnout.

2. Enjoying the creativity of others.

Reality was there were many days I was too exhausted to be creative on my own. The mental and emotional toll was huge. I was being whittled down with frets of was I doing enough, and worrying about our child’s and by extent our family’s future.
This is when it was helpful to indulge in the creativity of others. I loved to listen to podcast or a good book. By listening to others stories I could have a break from the overwhelming world I was in. When I ‘returned to reality’ I could look at things with refreshed eyes, and lower cortisol levels.
Another way to enjoy other people’s creativity was to listen to those who have been in your shoes before you. People, by nature are creative and often have already found a solution for things that you are still puzzling. I found attending the local M.O.P.s (mums of preschoolers) group had the same effect in raising small children in genral. There is something spectacular in the way a group of mums can create a solution for a tough situation even with limited resources. I have also found this in therapy sessions and with my child’s teachers as we navigate her care together. So, connect with your community and listen to the stories.

3. Spending time in the ‘great creation’

I personally believe in God so it make sense that the world we live in is the great creation. But even if you don’t believe in a higher being, hopefully this can still be helpful.
There is something uniquely special about succumbing to the natural world. Immersing oneself in an old forest, swimming in the endless ocean, or peering from a high vantage point over a patch work landscape. To feel small in the great scheme of things, and know that this *gestering at everything* will continue without needing anything from you. That you can rest and breathe, even for minute. Just to take it in and observe. How wonderful!
On this, when you can’t get in the car and escape to the wilderness it is helpful to practice mindfulness. To be fully present and observe yourself (after-all, your are part of the great creation too) and what is going on in your environment. Navigate your observation through your five senses. What can you see, hear, touch, taste and smell. Breathe in deeply and exhale to the things you cannot control, those things you don’t need to hold on to. Drink in the little discoveries that fill you with you delight. I intentionally grow flowers to I can take in the little details. In turn I find it also fuels my art.

In the end there are countless ways that creativity can be helpful in your journey as a carer, and social creatures we are likely to be caring for others at some point in our lives. So it is wonderful to find the resources that can help us on that journey. If you are a carer or have been in the past I would love to hear how creativity has been helpful to you. Who knows, your comment may be the very thing some else need at this time.

I think that will do for now. Until next time, take care.

Sarah

P.S. We did go camping again, many times in fact! 😀