Whether it’s drawing a picture, painting, writing a song or perhaps a poem, being creative is for many people a great way to improve your mental wellbeing. Having spoken to a lot of our Community members about their experiences, I often hear that being creative has helped provide them with an escape or diversions to where cancer’s no longer a central focus.
Our Express yourself group’s a space where members showcase their creations, so as a way of encouraging others to perhaps do the same, I thought I’d share a few highlights from the group for those who haven’t yet ventured into it. Enjoy…
Because of my hectic work and home life, I've found it difficult to vent. Whilst having rads I stayed away from home and decided to get down on paper what was really affecting me by the cancer and treatment and boy, has it helped! I can now move on much more so I’m sharing my cancer picture should it help someone and then I'm including one of my usual paintings completed recently.
Cancer must not define who we are, and I had been doing just that.
A pitying look, behind dampened eyes, with bright facade stifling broken sighs.
A knowing glance, a fleeting touch, don’t mention IT, it hurts too much!
Don’t let her see the grief you hide; the pain and anger must stay inside.
Placating words, where once was wit, be gentle, kind, don’t mention IT!
Keep the peace, don’t rock the boat, whatever she wants, never say don’t.
Don’t disagree, don’t scold, debate, don’t mention that you know her fate.
Talk mundane words, don’t roll the dice, Keep her happy, whatever the price.
Bring gifts and love, with faces lit, but whatever you do, don’t mention IT!
Will you hold my hand when I need you?
Will you whisper words to comfort me? Will you look at me and smile softly?
Will you be my rock to lean on?
When the world hurts my soul
And I can't face another day
When tears fall down, and I am broken,
Will you hold me close?
Will you hear me speak?
Will you sit by me?
Will you be my hero?
Catch it early, before it spreads, you’re young and fit, you’re in good stead.
When all’s said and done, and the fighting’s begun, I suppose you could say, it’s better that way.
The doctor says take all the meds you can muster, we’ll batter ‘em hard, let the tiny cells fluster.
You reckon that where there’s a will there’s a way, and I guess you are right, I feel better today.
Then there’s moments alone, in the dead of the night. Dreams of hope mixed with fear, dreams of fading sunlight.
I train the brain through the strain, come what will, come what may, “keep steady now, from the path never stray!”
Then you spin, and you fall, lose your mind, lose it all. So, I talked, and it helped, spilled the beans, spilled myself…
…and here are a couple of creations our Community members have been sharing across the site:
Inspired to get creative? Go ahead and join our Express yourself and get sharing.
