Have you ever felt the world pause in a single moment?
Recently, my family experienced a loss. It was one of those moments that shifts everything, reminding me how precious time really is. I found myself thinking back to the days when I worked as a destination wedding photographer, capturing moments full of joy, love, and sometimes, quiet strength.
Those memories and this season of reflection brought me back to my art journal. It reminded me of how mindful art has supported me over the years. I want to share a personal story, a few journaling prompts that may help you reflect, and a loving invitation to reconnect with yourself through creativity.
Honoring Moments: From Photographer to Mindful Art Facilitator
Years ago, I had the honor of photographing a couple named Courtney and Todd. Their wedding day was beautiful, but it was their story that moved me the most.
Courtney had just come through breast cancer treatment. She carried both strength and vulnerability with so much grace. The love between her and Todd was radiant. Capturing their celebration wasn’t just a job, it was a deeply emotional, spiritual experience for me.
Months later, I went through my own cancer treatment. When I finished radiation, I received a handwritten thank-you letter from Courtney. Her words touched me to the core. That letter became a reminder of something I now live by:
Moments matter.
Creativity is sacred.
Our stories connect us.
That experience, and many others, led me to transition from photography to the healing work of mindful art and meditation. I no longer photograph weddings, but I still help people honor their moments through art, reflection, and creativity.
Why Creative Self-Care Matters More Than Ever
In a fast-moving world, it’s easy to lose touch with ourselves. Mindful creativity gives us a way to pause. It helps us breathe, express, and heal.
Whether you're painting, doodling, journaling, or simply being present with your materials, you're engaging in creative self-care. It's not about making perfect art, it's about reconnecting with your body, your breath, your feelings, and your story.
Creative self-care can help you:
Reduce stress and anxiety
Feel more grounded and centered
Explore emotions safely and gently
Spark joy, clarity, and curiosity
Create rituals that support healing and growth
When we create mindfully, we’re not just making something beautiful, we’re allowing beauty to rise from within.
Journaling Prompts for Creative Self-Care
You don’t need hours or fancy supplies to begin. All you need is a few quiet minutes and a willingness to show up for yourself.
Here are 3 simple journaling prompts to support you on your creative self-care journey:
Prompt 1: What Lights You Up?
Think about the art or mindful practices that bring you peace or joy. Why do they light you up?
Now, imagine your ideal self-care art day. What would it include? Maybe soft music, watercolor paints, and a cozy blanket? Maybe a sketchbook and time alone outside?
Write about it. Dream a little. Let your journal hold your ideal.
Then ask yourself: How can I bring even a small piece of that dream into my real life today?
Prompt 2: A Moment That Moved You
Reflect on a moment that touched your heart. It could be joyful, sad, surprising, or powerful.
How did that moment shape your perspective on life, love, or creativity?
How might you honor it through your art—maybe with colors, shapes, symbols, or a story?
Allow yourself to express, not analyze. Let your creativity be your companion as you explore.
Prompt 3: Gratitude in Color
Think of a time you felt deeply grateful. What sparked that feeling? Was it a person, a place, a breath, a gesture?
Now, imagine that feeling as a color or image. How can you bring that energy into your art journal today?
Gratitude is a powerful anchor, it reminds us of what’s good and whole even in hard times.
Your Story Matters: Share Your Creative Self-Care Journey
One of the most meaningful parts of this work is hearing from YOU.
If you’ve ever joined a Mindful Creative Muse class, watched a video, tried a journaling prompt, or just read an email that made you pause and breathe, I would love to hear about it.
Even just a sentence or two can brighten my day and help guide our future offerings.
Would you email us with a few words about how creativity and mindfulness have supported your self-care journey?
Your stories help me, and our community, grow with more purpose and heart.
BreathDoodles™ and More: Start Your Creative Self-Care Journey Today
If you’re just beginning or want a gentle way to return to your creative self, I’ve created a simple course for you.
BreathDoodles™ is a playful, soothing art and meditation course you can do in just 5 minutes a day. It’s perfect if you want to reduce stress, reconnect with your breath, and ease into mindfulness with ease.
You can also explore:
Mindful Art & Meditation Workshops: Live experiences to connect with your creativity in community
Creative Self-Care Courses: Guided journeys to help you build your practice
Teacher Training: Learn how to lead safe, trauma-informed mindful art sessions
A Gentle Closing
Life brings us through so many seasons. Some joyful. Some tender. Some deeply transformative.
But no matter where you are, know this:
Your creativity is sacred.
Your presence matters.
And your art, whether it's words, colors, movement, or quiet breath, is a gift.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
Let’s continue to reflect, reset, and reconnect, together.