My youngest daughter bought me a coloring book by Johanna Basford along with a box of colored pencils for Christmas a year or two after my husband was called home to live in Heaven. I found this was such a great form of therapy for me. Living alone in a big old house wasn’t easy. I missed my husband so much. Our three cats were a comfort and, yes, someone to take care of. I had been my husband’s caregiver for three years and needed to feel needed.

I found coloring was a great therapy. I could sit for hours and color and not dwell on thoughts of being alone. The house was too quiet and when I lost myself in creativity, the solitude wasn’t painful. Since then, I have continued to color. I have over 50 coloring books and five sets of colored pencils. I’ve expanded into creating with markers as well. It’s a wonderful hobby and a wonderful therapy.

Some people journal. I do keep a journal, but only write in it occasionally. I used to write novels and that was a form of therapy, more an escape from the busy corporate life I once led. After retirement, though I thought writing would become my new career, the passion I felt for creating stories vanished. My blog has become my writing platform. I don’t have to make up stories. I just write from the heart about my life, my thoughts, and the blessings of being a child of God.

If you are dealing with stress, grief, pain and don’t have a hobby to help, I’d like to suggest you try coloring if you are creative. You don’t have to follow any rules. You don’t have to worry about anyone else liking what you are doing. You just have to have fun. I like to listen to audio books while I color, or listen to music. Sometimes I watch a movie on my computer while I color. Sometimes I just color in silence.

Lifting my cup of tea and wishing you all a day of joy.