Hello, beautiful Souls,

Today, I am talking about my creativity, which became my big sister and closest friend.

I’ve faced a few intense challenges in this lifetime that could have crushed my spirit. Growing up in an environment marked by abuse, I endured some deep emotional scars. Thankfully, I also had some incredible female role models: my Great-Grandmother, Nanna and Mother.

During my teenage years, a violent sexual assault left me physically and emotionally wounded. Instead of succumbing to despair, I used this traumatic experience as a catalyst for amplifying my creativity, secretly vowing to transform my pain into something of beauty and purpose. 

Life certainly threw me a few unexpected challenges, but fortunately, I found a comforting ally – My Creativity. And it’s become more than just a pastime; it’s now part of my identity and my toolkit, often helping me navigate the stormy waters of trauma. 

So, how does creativity become a lifeline in these circumstances?

Well, from my own experience with trauma, I developed coping mechanisms from an early age to regulate the overwhelming symptoms that accompany such experiences. These mechanisms, consciously chosen and instinctively adopted, became a means of finding stability amid my mixed emotions.

Here are a few everyday strategies that have proven to be my reliable co-regulators:

• Getting Out in Nature: Nature has a remarkable ability to provide solace and perspective. Whether the gentle rustle of leaves or the calming rhythm of waves, immersing myself outdoors allows me to ground my thoughts, find clarity, and restore a sense of balance.
• Talking to a Trusted Friend: Human connection is powerful, especially during distress. A simple conversation with someone I trust provides an outlet for my thoughts and feelings and a reminder that I’m not alone in my journey.
• Spending Time with Pets: Animals have an uncanny ability to offer unconditional companionship. The simple act of petting a dog or sitting with a cat provides a soothing presence that eases the weight on my shoulders and brings a sense of comfort.
• Meditation and Contemplation: Taking time for introspection and practices such as meditation allows me to cultivate inner peace and resilience. I can more clearly observe my thoughts and emotions by quieting my mind and turning inward. (This is also how I came to create The Living Goddess Code and the Living Attributes Typology.)
• Being Creative: In my world, creativity isn’t about grand artistic endeavours. It’s about finding expression in the simple and mundane. Creating becomes a way to channel emotions and discover moments of peace, whether doodling in a notebook, jotting down thoughts, or experimenting with a new recipe.

Being creative doesn’t require elaborate tools or exceptional skills. It’s about finding what resonates with you, whether arranging flowers, writing a few lines of poetry or trying your hand at a DIY project.

Creativity, in its essence, is an accessible and practical tool innate in human beings. It’s not a magical cure but rather a means of navigating the highs and lows of life. So, in those tough times, or even as a management tool, I encourage you to embrace your creativity in its simplest form. You might be surprised by the comfort and strength found in the ordinary act of creating something uniquely your own.

Heart to Heart, Elizabeth

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